AP Govt proposes to regularise houses, lands of occupants

Visakhapatnam: The State government finally prepared a detailed plan to put an end to the burning issue of Simhachalam Devasthanam lands in which over 30,000 houses and house sites are involved. In its latest document, the government has categorised the beneficiaries into five types. 

If, the person constructed house in less than 100 sq.yards and residing in the same, the house will be regularised free of cost. On the houses constructed in 100 to 149 sq.yards, 150 to 199 sq.yards, 200 to 249 sq.yards, 250 to 299 sq.yards and 300 to 350 sq.yards amounts to the tune of 70 per cent on the government rate fixed in 2007 will be collected.

The government will give alternative lands to Simhachalam Devasthanam against the total extent of land regularised. According to sources, about 700 acres of revenue land will be transferred to the Devasthanam. 

The government has decided to regularise the registered vacant house sites by collecting money in the similar categories. But, the beneficiary has to pay 70 per cent on the government price even if the site in below 100 sq.yards for regularisation.

Srivarahalakshmi Nrusimha Swami Devasthanam of Simhachalam is having over 11,500 acres of lands mostly spread in five villages including Adavivaram, Vepagunta, Cheemalapalli, Purushottamapuram, Venkatapuram and also on hills from Simhachalam to Old Dairy Farm.

The lands were cultivated by the farmers for the past several centuries. However, due to the rapid urbanisation, residential colonies and houses were developed in the lands.  Several cases have also been pending at various courts between the Endowment department and the residents.  

In 1997, Chandrababu Naidu issued a GO 578 asking the land users to pay 70 per cent on the government price per sq.yard and a big number of people paid money and got regularisation to their lands.  Later, in 2007 the government cancelled the GO assuring the people to bring a comprehensive order to settle the entire issues, but in vain.

The government has stopped the registrations at all the five villages and no house constructions was allowed in the lands. Later, the High Court directed the government to inform them in advance any proposals to settle the issue of lands.    

“We are proposing an amicable solution to the court. The government will transfer alternative lands to the devasthanam, whatever the devasthanam loses. Initially, the government has taken a decision to regularise the lands where the beneficiary constructed house and residing in the same.

However, it is observed that there are large number of people particularly salaried persons who purchased the lands by taking loans from the banks and other financial institutions. Finally, the government has decided to regularise the vacant house sites, below 300 sq.yards, also.

The commercial establishments and above 300 sq.yards lands issue will be settled later. It is only government’s proposal,  finally the high court has to give permission to settle the issue,” a senior revenue official said.