Bhatti says Telangana Land Policy is transparent, accuses BRS govt of acting on self-interest
The necessity for this policy, the Deputy CM explained, stems from Hyderabad’s rapid urban expansion
By - Newsmeter Network
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu
Hyderabad: Telangana Land Policy is transparent, said deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. He accused the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government of non-transparent land conversions for personal benefit.
Industrial land conversion policy
The new policy is transparent and offers an opportunity to everyone, he said and outlined a dual agenda behind the policy:
1. To make Hyderabad a pollution-free city.
2. To generate revenue for the state.
Bhatti emphasised the government’s need to generate revenue for ‘large-scale welfare schemes’ without burdening the public with new taxes, stating, “It is the government’s responsibility to generate revenue.” He confirmed that the policy followed in-depth discussions with senior officials, stakeholders and the Cabinet.
Key features and rationale
The transparent policy includes specific criteria for conversion:
- Land conversions will be allowed at 50 per cent of the SOR (Standard Market Rate) for those who have 80-feet road access.
- The government anticipates a rise in State revenue if industrial land conversion increases.
The need to revitalise old industrial parks
The necessity for this policy, the Deputy CM explained, stems from Hyderabad’s rapid urban expansion. Areas like Naacharam, Moula Ali, Uppal, Jeedimetla, Balanagar and Kukatpally, which were established as industrial parks 50 years ago, are now surrounded by large residential constructions.
Quoting suggestions from the courts, he stated that cities must be freed from polluted Red Zone and Orange Zone industries.
While acknowledging that the government cannot ‘forcefully evacuate’ currently operating industries, the new policy provides a mechanism to incentivise their relocation ‘beyond the Outer Ring Road,’ thereby tackling pollution and preventing a situation similar to the severe air quality crises seen in the national capital, Delhi.
Allegations of BRS misconduct
Deputy CM Mallu sharply criticised BRS leaders, alleging that they ‘carried out industrial land conversions for their own people, for selected individuals, and only for a chosen few.’
