Settipalle Rises From Frozen Registrations to a Model Township
Settipalle project showcased at seventh Collectors’ Conference as a model for resolving urban land disputes through land pooling
Tirupati:From disputed land parcels and frozen registrations to a planned township with modern infrastructure, the Settipalle project in Tirupati has now become a template for resolution of urban land disputes across Andhra Pradesh.
The state government showcased at the Seventh Collectors’ Conference in Amaravati on Thursday the “Settipalle Model Township” as a successful example of resolving decades-old land disputes through the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS).
Tirupati collector Dr. S. Venkateswar made a presentation on the project, which has been recognised as the fourth-best initiative under the “Best Practices” category at the Collectors’ Conference.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has gone on to say that the Settipalle initiative should be treated as a model for resolving disputed urban land issues towards promoting planned urban development. Recalling that efforts to address the issue had begun in 2014, the CM said the government had finally succeeded in creating assets worth nearly ₹1,100 crore for Settipalle beneficiaries.
Spread across around 636.38 acres near Tirupati city, Settipalle had remained mired in legal uncertainties for decades. Declared an Inam Estate under the 1948 law and taken over by the government in 1979, the village never underwent complete settlement of land ownership. As a result, thousands of residents, farmers, and plot buyers remained devoid of pattas or clear ownership rights.
Though land transactions continued for years, registrations came to a halt after the lands had been brought under Section 22A of the Registration Act in 2015–16. Multiple registrations on the same parcels further complicated the issue, leaving many unable to legally sell or utilise their properties.
The Tirupati collector said the government initiated discussions in July 2024. It evolved a permanent solution after multiple rounds of inter-departmental consultations and cabinet-level deliberations. Under the final arrangement, around 223.63 acres have been allotted to beneficiaries, while 65 acres have been handed over to Tirupati Urban Development Authority (TUDA) for infrastructure development in the township. Another 90 acres have been earmarked for tourism-related projects.
District administration developed a total of 2,111 plots for 823 beneficiaries, ensuring that every eligible family received at least two cents of land. Even beneficiaries entitled to lesser extents of land have been allotted two cents following a Cabinet decision.
To ensure transparency in allotments, the district administration introduced an electronic lottery system with support from AECOM and Entro Labs. The Chief Minister launched the online allotment process on January 15, 2026. State government even waived registration charges and stamp duty for beneficiaries, with the total relief being ₹16.25 crore.
Dr. Venkateswar said, “This project has demonstrated that people would voluntarily cooperate in land pooling if the government assures proper planning and infrastructure development." He described the initiative as a “proof of concept” for resolving similar disputes elsewhere in the state.
The proposed township project is estimated to cost around ₹1,766 crore. It will include CC roads, underground drainage, sewage treatment facilities, drinking water supply, power infrastructure, and 100-foot road connectivity.
TUDA is expected to mobilise around ₹250 crore through the 65-acre parcel allotted for township development. The project will generate assets worth nearly ₹1,100 crore for beneficiaries. The government’s share of assets is valued at around ₹400 crore through lands earmarked for tourism projects.
