The Dharani portal, a comprehensive land management system introduced by the Government of Telangana, has revolutionized the way land records are maintained and transactions take place. While its primary objective is to ensure transparency and efficiency in land management, it also highlights specific “prohibited lands” that are considered non-transferable or restricted for various legal and administrative reasons. Understanding such prohibited lands is essential for anyone dealing with property in Telangana. This article explores the key rules and regulations about Dharani prohibited lands, while also touching on issues like property tax in relation to such lands.
What Are Dharani Prohibited Lands?
Dharani prohibited lands refer to those parcels of land that are flagged in the Dharani portal as non-transferable or restricted due to various legal and administrative reasons. These lands cannot be bought, sold, or transferred without explicit permissions from the government. The primary aim of marking lands as prohibited is to protect them from illegal transactions and unauthorized encroachments while safeguarding public, community, or environmentally sensitive areas.
There are several reasons why lands may be classified as prohibited under the Dharani system. Below are the circumstances that usually lead to such classifications:
1. Government-Owned Lands
Lands owned by the government or acquired for projects like roads, railways, parks, and public infrastructure are marked as prohibited. These lands are reserved for public use and cannot be transferred to private individuals.
2. Assigned Lands
Assigned lands refer to properties allocated by the government to economically disadvantaged individuals or vulnerable sections of society, such as Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or landless farmers, as part of social welfare initiatives. These lands are meant for personal use and cannot be sold or transferred by beneficiaries.
3. Wakf and Endowment Lands
Land that belongs to religious institutions or charitable trusts, such as Wakf properties or temple endowments, are classified as prohibited under Dharani regulations. Such properties are meant for religious or charitable purposes and cannot be converted for private or commercial use.
4. Forests and Wetlands
Forest lands and ecologically sensitive areas like wetlands are restricted to protect biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and prevent environmental degradation. These lands are marked as prohibited to ensure their conservation.
5. Lands with Legal Disputes
Lands that are undergoing legal disputes or are subject to claims of ownership are flagged as prohibited in the Dharani system. Transactions involving such lands are blocked to avoid further complications until the disputes are resolved through courts or competent authorities.
6. Court Attachments
Lands attached or seized by courts due to non-compliance with judicial orders or involvement in fraudulent activity are listed as prohibited to prevent unauthorized dealings.
7. Non-Agricultural and Restricted Zones
Certain land zones designated for special purposes, such as Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or industrial corridors, are classified as prohibited lands. Moreover, residential land falling within airport areas or areas reserved for urban planning may also be restricted.
8. Unregistered Lands or Missing Records
Lands without proper documentation or incomplete ownership records in the Dharani database are considered prohibited. This ensures fair legal procedures before ownership can be claimed or transferred.
Rules and Regulations Governing Dharani Prohibited Lands
The Government of Telangana has implemented stringent rules and regulations around Dharani prohibited lands to prevent illegal activities and ensure proper land governance. Below are the key rules you should know:
1. Non-Transferability
Lands marked as prohibited under Dharani cannot be registered or transferred to another individual without prior approval from the competent authority. The system automatically blocks any registration attempts for such lands.
2. Mandatory Verification
Before initiating any property transaction using the Dharani portal, buyers and sellers should verify whether the land is categorized as prohibited. This prevents future legal complications and disputes.
3. Assigned Land Protection
Assigned lands are strictly non-transferable, and any attempt to sell or purchase such lands is deemed illegal. Buyers must exercise due diligence to ensure the land does not belong to this category.
4. Court-Ordered Prohibition
Lands flagged for legal proceedings like inheritance disputes, pending claims, or violations are strictly off-limits until resolved. Court verdicts dictate the release or continued prohibition status of such properties.
5. Endowment and Wakf Regulations
Transactions involving religious or charitable endowment lands are subject to specific regulations. Unauthorized parties cannot engage in the sale or leasing of these properties. Violations can lead to penalties and criminal proceedings.
6. Environmental Protections
Prohibited lands that include forests, wetlands, or areas under green cover are regulated under environmental laws. Development or sale of such lands requires prior approval from agencies like Forest Departments and Pollution Control Boards.
7. Property Tax Payment
Landowners of certain prohibited lands, like assigned lands or government-owned lands, are exempt from property tax liabilities, whereas owners of lands under legal disputes may still be required to pay property tax until the case is resolved.
8. Categorization Updates
The Dharani portal updates data regularly to ensure accuracy and identify new prohibited lands. Landowners and prospective buyers must stay updated to avoid unauthorized transactions.
How Property Tax Relates to Dharani Prohibited Lands
Property tax plays an important role in assessing land ownership and use. Here’s how the relationship between property tax and Dharani prohibited lands works:
- Exemptions for Prohibited Lands: Lands categorized as prohibited, such as those owned by the government or religious institutions, are generally exempt from property tax. However, assigned land users must verify specific exemption clauses with their local authorities.
- Disputed Lands: Property taxes may still apply to lands flagged in Dharani for legal disputes until the ownership is fully resolved. The rightful owner, once declared, becomes liable for pending tax amounts.
- Unregistered Lands: Owners of unregistered lands in the Dharani portal might face property tax penalties if the land usage violates local and municipal rules.
- Environmental Lands: Forests and wetland lands marked as prohibited in Dharani are exempt from property tax, as these areas are not developed for residential or commercial purposes.
Importance of Staying Compliant
Understanding Dharani prohibited lands is critical to avoiding legal or financial troubles. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or develop land in Telangana, follow these tips:
1. Check Dharani Portal Regularly
The Dharani portal updates land categorization frequently. Regularly check the status of the property you’re interested in to confirm its eligibility for transactions.
2. Hire Legal Assistance
For land disputes or court-attached properties, consult a land law expert to understand your rights and responsibilities. Avoid any unauthorized dealings during legal proceedings.
3. Pay Property Tax on Time
Ensure that property taxes are paid promptly for eligible lands. Failure to do so might invite penalties and additional liabilities.
4. Avoid Buying Restricted Lands
Even if someone offers a “great deal,” avoid purchasing restricted properties, as it may lead to fines or revocation of ownership rights.
5. Adhere to Environmental Laws
If your land falls under ecologically sensitive areas, follow applicable rules for conservation and seek permissions before developing or modifying the land.
Conclusion
Dharani prohibited lands are an important facet of the Telangana government’s land management initiative, providing transparency and safeguarding restricted lands. By understanding key rules and regulations, you can ensure compliance and avoid unfortunate consequences like illegal transactions, penalties, or disputes. Whether you’re a landowner, buyer, or investor, always verify the status of your property through the Dharani portal and adhere to applicable laws, including property tax contributions where necessary.
By staying informed and compliant, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the complex world of land ownership and transactions in Telangana. Use the Dharani portal as your trusted resource, and make well-informed decisions when dealing with prohibited lands.
