It is a well-known fact that celebrities, VIPs, politicians and some influential/rich people have farm houses for them to relax during their spare time. They are mostly found in Moinabad, Gandipet, Shamshabad, Chevella, Shankarpalli and Vikarabad surrounding areas on the outskirts of Hyderabad. They are all genuine agricultural fields and do not require land conversion or have no BT roads. But some developers appear to have got inspired from this and came up with the new concept of farm plots introducing farm layouts in the realty market.
Rather than selling the agricultural lands in acres, these realtors are selling them in Guntas (121 sq.yards) to gullible people in the name of farm plots. These plots are being sold for just Rs 1 or 2 lakh per Gunta, with some of them being sold as 5-10 Guntas. Though names as farm plots, these layout are being developed just like any other venture with 30-40 feet roads. Such farm layouts have are mushrooming across Telangana, but the officials appear to have turned a blind eye and letting this new business to flourish. The State government is earning to revenue, while farmers and realtors are minting money from these farm plots. Surprisingly, many people are buying them as they can purchased within their budget in the current realty market and can be transferred from one to another for a nominal fee.
These farm layouts are being developed like any other venture, with BT roads and all other amenities. However, they are being sold in the name of farm plots, without any requisite permissions including land conversion. They are also setting aside 30-40 feet for roads. These farm plots are currently found mostly in the vicinity of the proposed Regional Ring Road outside the Outer Ring Road.
This new business has picked up pace and some realtors are developing farm layouts in several acre only to sell them as farm plots in square yards. Surprisingly, many people are buying them as they can purchased within their budget in the current realty market and can be transferred from one to another for a nominal fee. Layouts like these, have come up in hundreds of acres, without any permission.
Must change existing rules
No one would mind if there is a farm house on a genuine farm land. But as per the existing norms, if the road pattern is being developed, layout permission must be obtained. Although the sale of farm plots has been in vogue for several years now, the government is not receiving any revenue. It is high time that such farm layouts should be brought under the ambit of the Municipal Administration department and the RERA. The existing rules should be amended accordingly, maing it mandatory for the developers to obtain all the permissions.
