Will BJP's Appeal to Telangana Guv Prevent Land Conversion in Hyderabad?
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Synopsis
The BJP in Telangana has raised concerns about the Congress government's land conversion policy, alleging a hidden agenda to enrich political allies. With a staggering 9,292 acres at stake, the party urges the Governor's intervention to halt what they claim is a significant misappropriation of public assets. What lies ahead for Hyderabad's valuable lands?
Key Takeaways
- BJP's Intervention: The BJP is urging the Governor to stop land transfers deemed corrupt.
- Land Reform Policy: The HILTP aims to convert industrial land into urban areas.
- Estimated Financial Impact: Market sale of land could clear state debt.
- Calls for Transparency: The BJP demands a review of the policy by a retired judge.
- Concerns of Corruption: Allegations of a quid pro quo arrangement are prominent.
Hyderabad, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Telangana has requested the intervention of Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to halt what it describes as an initiative by the Congress government to transfer 9,292 acres of prime land in Hyderabad to a nexus of politicians and realtors, disguised as policy reform.
A delegation of BJP leaders, led by the party's state president N. Ramchander Rao, met with the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Monday, presenting a memorandum concerning the Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation Policy (HILTP) introduced by the state government for the strategic conversion of industrial land in and around the Outer Ring Road into productive and integrated urban areas.
The government order issued on November 22 indicated that numerous industries established 50 to 60 years ago have become unviable or have ceased operations for various reasons.
Another justification provided is that some units fall into polluting categories and require relocation.
"Although the policy may seem harmless at first, a deeper inspection reveals significant concerns regarding intent, transparency, and potential losses to the public exchequer. There is widespread fear that influential figures within the government have colluded to facilitate a massive transfer of public land wealth into private ownership—an alleged scam estimated at over Rs 5 lakh crore," the memorandum stated.
The Governor was informed that if the state were to sell these lands at market value, it could generate over Rs 6 lakh crore, enough to eliminate Telangana's entire public debt.
By permitting conversion at only 30% of the Sub-Registrar's value, the state government effectively allows private realtors to acquire and exploit prime land at negligible costs.
The BJP suspects a quid pro quo arrangement favoring private industrialists and realtors.
It has demanded the immediate suspension of HILTP and the formation of a Commission led by a retired High Court judge to review and establish a suitable land conversion policy for Hyderabad, assess the status of classified polluting industries, evaluate the socio-economic impact on workers currently employed in the affected units, and determine the actual market value of these land parcels.
Point of View
The situation unfolding in Telangana reflects deeper issues regarding land management and governmental transparency. The BJP's claims, if substantiated, could signify a troubling trend where public resources are leveraged for private gain, underscoring the need for accountability and strategic policy reform in urban planning.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation Policy?
The Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation Policy (HILTP) aims to convert unviable industrial land into productive urban spaces, but it has raised concerns regarding potential misuse and public interest.
Why is the BJP opposing the land conversion?
The BJP opposes the land conversion due to fears of corruption and improper transfer of public assets to private interests, alleging that the policy is a facade for a larger scam.
What action has the BJP requested from the Governor?
The BJP has requested Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to intervene, suspend the HILTP, and establish a commission to review land conversion policies.
How much land is under contention in this policy?
The policy involves approximately 9,292 acres of valuable land in Hyderabad.
What could be the financial implications of halting the conversion?
If sold at market value, the land could generate over Rs 6 lakh crore, sufficient to eliminate the public debt of Telangana.
