Decades-old Land Restrictions Lifted in Tirupati, Thousands Benefited

TIRUPATI: A decades-long struggle faced by thousands of families to sell their properties in Tirupati city has ended after the state government's recent decision to lift such curbs on lands.

The lifting of Section 22(A) of the Registration Act is set to benefit 5,431 families, initially by enabling the registration of properties that lay stuck for decades due to bureaucratic hurdles. The act had rendered the sale or purchase of 105 acres of private lands impossible after it was imposed 50 years ago. This caused severe difficulties especially for the economically disadvantaged families occupying these lands for generations.

Despite their persistent pleas over the years, the previous governments had turned a deaf ear to the grievances of property owners. However, responding to a representation made by Tirupati legislator and TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy asked officials to lift the restrictions.

Following the government's decision, district collector Venkataramana Reddy issued the copy of the proceedings to the affected families, notifying the removal of the ban.

The culmination of this effort occurred on Monday when land registrations resumed was witnessed by deputy mayor Bhumana Abhinay Reddy, who played a key role in the lifting of ban. By choosing to sign as a witness, the deputy mayor aimed to boost confidence among the affected families to undertake property transactions without obstacles.

 Sharing their joy, beneficiaries like K. Subramanyam and V. Lakshmi from the 11th division said the government's decision has changed their fate after decades of struggle to sell ancestral land.

“We can't believe it's finally over! We can now do the registration, thanks to Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and all those who fought for this cause.”

Another beneficiary Muni Raja said, “Our family owned a small house in Thataiahagunta. Due to the curbs, I faced a lot of difficulties to register my ancestors house in my name. This news brought a new hope to our family and many others who faced economic challenges due to the land restrictions.

“The efforts of deputy mayor Abhinay Reddy and the government have made a difference, bringing an opportunity to secure our family's future without the hassles of bureaucratic obstacles," he stated.

The deputy mayor expressed satisfaction that thousands across the city will benefit from lifting of the longstanding curb. “This opens possibilities for property transactions and provides respite to affected families,” he said.