Hyderabad: Over 3,000 leased land tracts, worth more than a Rs 1,00,000 crore that were transferred in the name of holders in the last few years, by issuing certain Government Orders, are being re-examined by the Telangana government for violations.

As per the official sources, there was a total of 6,500 pieces of lease lands between 1930 to 1970. Most of these lands are in Secunderabad area.

After the lands came under the purview of Andhra Pradesh government in 1978, the leased out lands were reduced to 2,244 pieces by 1991. “During the period, thousands of leased lands were sold out to land holders by the government, after issuing certain Government Orders,” said an official.

The Andhra Pradesh government in 1994 issued GO 816 giving a “free hold” to perpetual holders selling land to those who paid the lease amount over the period without fail, with this over 3,000 land holders benefited. Again in 2005 similar GO was passed and this time over 1737 were benefited.

An official source said, “As per the Lease Act, lease lands should not be sold or bought. Examinations of these transactions for violations and irregularities will be taken up by the administration soon.”

Land misused for profits:

Many of the leased lands, which are in the possession of perpetual landholders, are being misused in violation of the AP Lease Rule and are being exploited commercially to mint money.

These leased lands range between 50 sq. yard to 500 sq. yard or more. “The most common violation by the perpetual land holders is giving the land to third party on sub-lease.

There are also cases where certain holders have built multiple apartments and have also sold them. One such case is that of Meghna Apartments,” said deputy collector, Poorna Chandra.

He added, “Now, these parties, who have violated the conditions, are facing the axe, they are trying for conversion of land by paying current market value.

However, the case is pending with the State chief commissioner of Land Administration’s (CCLA) office.\

Source: DC