Introduction
The Government of Telangana has issued significant amendments to the Telangana Regularization of Unapproved and Illegal Layout Rules, 2020 (LRS-2020). These revisions aim to expedite the regularization process, simplify compliance, and address procedural bottlenecks that have slowed down the scheme’s progress.
Background and Need for Amendments
The Telangana government introduced LRS-2020 to facilitate the legalization of plots in unauthorized layouts through regularization charges. However, challenges in procedural implementation led to delays, leaving many plots unregistered. To resolve these issues and streamline the process, the government has now made crucial modifications to the existing framework.
Legal Authority for Amendments
These changes are issued under the following legislative acts:
- Telangana Urban Areas (Development) Act, 1975
- GHMC Act, 1955
- Telangana Town Planning Act, 1920
- Telangana Municipalities Act, 2019
- HMDA Act, 2008
- Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018
- TG-bPASS Act, 2020
Key Amendments to LRS-2020
1. Restrictions on Plot Registration and Building Permissions
Revised Rule 2(e):
- No registration of plots will be permitted in unauthorized and unapproved layouts.
- No building permissions shall be granted under relevant municipal regulations unless the plot is regularized.
- Regularization of plots/layouts is now a mandatory pre-condition for plot registration, sale, and construction approval.
2. Revised Definition of Layout Owner
Revised Rule 3(c)(iii):
- A “Layout Owner” is now defined as a person who has developed a layout and sold at least 10% of plots on or before August 26, 2020.
- This clarification ensures that only legitimate developers and sellers are covered under the regularization scheme.
3. Regularization of Previously Unregistered Plots
New Rule 4(c):
- Unregistered plots within unauthorized layouts, where at least 10% of plots were sold before August 26, 2020, can now be registered.
- Registration will be allowed after collecting layout regularization charges and pro-rata open space charges.
- Sub-registrars must collect details of such plots and upload them to the LRS portal for processing.
- Intimation by the Sub-Registrar will be treated as an automatic application under Rule 6 of LRS-2020.
Impact of the Amendments
These modifications are expected to:
- Speed up the LRS-2020 process by removing unnecessary procedural barriers.
- Ensure clarity in ownership and compliance for property buyers and developers.
- Facilitate smoother registration of eligible unapproved plots.
- Increase revenue collection through layout regularization and open space charges.
Conclusion
The amendments to LRS-2020 reinforce the Telangana Government’s commitment to urban planning and land regularization. By simplifying the rules and addressing registration challenges, the government aims to promote legal compliance while fostering planned urban development.
For property owners, developers, and buyers, these changes provide a much-needed pathway to legalization and security of land ownership. Those affected by these amendments are advised to consult with local municipal authorities or visit the LRS portal for further guidance on regularization procedures.