Telangana to fast-track scrutiny of all Dharani land deals, warns against illegal transfers

Hyderabad: Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy on Saturday said the State government has initiated a fast-track examination of all land transactions recorded on the erstwhile Dharani portal, which have now been migrated to the Bhu Bharati system. He asserted that stringent action would be taken against anyone found to have illegally acquired land through the previous portal.

Speaking to reporters at the State Secretariat, the Minister alleged that large-scale irregularities, including illegal mutations and unauthorised transfers of government land, took place during the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government's tenure. He said the current administration is committed to correcting these anomalies.

Mr. Reddy also stated that a detailed inquiry is being conducted into the list of prohibited lands. He said allegations raised by Opposition parties are being examined impartially. Responding to criticism that the Congress government had added fresh lands to the prohibited list, the Minister clarified that the same list available on the Dharani portal has been submitted to the High Court. He dismissed claims that undisputed private lands or house plots had been included in the list as “completely false”.

The Minister announced that the government is preparing a comprehensive policy for assigned lands, which cover nearly 85,000 acres in Telangana. He said the policy would address issues relating to both urban and rural areas.

Taking aim at BRS leaders, Mr. Reddy alleged that they were making baseless allegations against the government because they could not accept the construction of the Indiramma Towers project. He also assured that final bills for Indiramma houses completed in rural areas would be released even if the Centre fails to release its share of funds.

On revenue collections, the Minister said the recent revision of land market values has generated 10–20% higher revenue than expected. Revenue from the Stamps and Registration Department has risen from about ₹13,000 crore annually when the Congress government assumed office to nearly ₹15,000 crore in 2025, he said. He added that revenue is expected to reach approximately ₹18,000 crore in the current financial year.

These developments come amid ongoing political debate over land administration in Telangana. The Dharani portal, introduced by the previous BRS government, was designed to integrate land records and registration processes. The current Congress government replaced it with the Bhu Bharati system, citing operational deficiencies.

Observers note that the fast-track scrutiny and the proposed assigned lands policy could have significant implications for landowners, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas. The government's assurance on Indiramma housing payments is also being watched closely, given the state's fiscal situation.