Historic Registration Resolves Five-Decade Land Dispute in Tirupati
In a landmark event that concluded a protracted fifty-year conflict, the inaugural registration of Settipalle lands was officially conducted at the sub-registrar's Office in Tirupati on Friday. The ceremony was graced by the presence of key officials including TUDA chairman C Divakar Reddy, joint collector R Govinda Rao, and district registrar Ram Kumar, marking a significant milestone in regional governance and property rights.
Exclusive Counters and Emotional Moments for Beneficiaries
To facilitate this historic process, exclusive counters were established at the Tirupati Urban, Tirupati Rural, and Renigunta sub-registrar offices specifically for Settipalle registrations. The emotional impact was palpable as numerous beneficiaries, overwhelmed with relief and joy, shed tears upon finally receiving property documents for lands they had long considered their own. This momentous occasion brought closure to decades of uncertainty and legal limbo.
Roots of the Dispute and Path to Resolution
The origins of this complex dispute trace back to June 1979, when the government assumed control over the inam village encompassing 636.38 acres. Incomplete settlement operations, coupled with multiple registrations and restrictions under Section 22A, left agricultural landholders and subsequent plot buyers in a state of prolonged uncertainty for generations. After years of persistent advocacy and follow-up, a critical breakthrough emerged when TUDA chairman Divakar Reddy brought the issue to the attention of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The devised plan aimed to equitably satisfy all stakeholders while ensuring the project's self-sustainability through comprehensive township development.
Comprehensive Allocation Scheme and Economic Impact
Under the meticulously crafted scheme, 30% of the land has been allocated to agricultural beneficiaries, with an additional 50% designated for house sites. A total of 823 enjoyers will receive plots measuring two cents each, with the registration fee and stamp duty entirely waived to alleviate financial burdens. TUDA will retain 65 acres for township development, while the government has approved layout development across 223.63 acres and reserved 90 acres for tourism projects. Divakar Reddy emphasized, "Settipalle serves as a replicable land-pooling scheme. Once proven successful, it can be extended to resolve other controversial holdings across the state."
Ambitious Township Project and Strategic Location
The ambitious township project, estimated at a substantial ₹1,766 crore, envisions the development of convention centres, IT parks, water theme parks, and various other modern amenities. Strategically positioned—merely 1 km from Tiruchanur railway station, 5 km from Renigunta junction, and 9 km from Tirupati international airport—the project is anticipated to gain significant momentum in the coming months, potentially transforming the local economy and infrastructure.
