Uncertainty Over Tirupati TDR Bonds Continues As Enquiry Drags On
As part of efforts to ease traffic congestion, the civic body had taken up development of a network of roads in the northern and southern parts of the city. Around 15 roads had been identified, of which 12 stretches covering about 8.2 km have been completed. For these projects, the corporation adopted the TDR mechanism to facilitate land acquisition.
Tirupati: Uncertainty surrounding the issuance of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) bonds within the limits of the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati is continuing, with no clear timeline for a resolution, as the enquiry into alleged irregularities in TDR bonds’ issue remains inconclusive.
The matter pertains to land acquired for master plan roads, where allegations have surfaced that the previous regime bypassed norms. Several landowners have claimed that roads have been laid through their properties without prior notice or consent. In some cases, owners do not even know that their land have been utilised even three years after completion of road-widening and similar works.
As part of efforts to ease traffic congestion, the civic body had taken up development of a network of roads in the northern and southern parts of the city. Around 15 roads had been identified, of which 12 stretches covering about 8.2 km have been completed. For these projects, the corporation adopted the TDR mechanism to facilitate land acquisition.
It has offered compensation to affected landowners in the form of bonds linked to the prevailing market value. Out of 1,083 eligible beneficiaries who reportedly lost lands for road expansion, TDR bonds have been issued only in 442 cases, triggering allegations of irregularities. Following a review by the present government, 170 bonds flagged as suspicious have been temporarily cancelled, while bonds relating to undisputed properties have been cleared.
So far, 821 TDR bonds have been issued. However, nearly half of the bonds issued earlier have been placed under temporary suspension. A decision on their status is still awaited. The Tirupati civic body is yet to issue 262 bonds. Of these, 39 are under enquiry and 11 applications have been rejected. Around 25 landowners have approached courts, alleging violations and denial of compensation, while 27 persons are yet to approach the corporation, reportedly unaware that roads have been constructed on their land.
Delays are also attributed to documentation gaps, with 41 applicants yet to submit land records and 111 applications pending due to incomplete documentation. Civic body officials admit that the resolution of TDR bonds may be delayed, leaving several landowners in limbo over compensation.
“There is still no clear direction on the inquiry into the TDR issue. Until that is completed, it is difficult to take a final call on several pending cases. There is also a degree of apathy at higher levels. Unless there is a firm decision from the top, the uncertainty will continue," a senior official said on condition of anonymity.
Sources said a decision is under consideration to lift the temporary ban on bonds that have already been utilised, subject to verification.
