Many plot owners whose LRS (Layout Regulation Scheme) applications for regularization were rejected are seeking the return of their initial deposit money.

Out of total 1.75 lakh applications, more than 20,000 applications were denied by HMDA, claiming that the plots were either positioned in the area of various water bodies or the land belonged to Waqf board & endowments department and among others.

Plot Owners Seeking Reimbursement for Rejected LRS 

As part of the Layout Regulation Scheme (LRS), which had been initiated in 2016 and ended in January 2020 after a series of latest extensions, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) received over 1.75 lakh application. Of them, 20,000 applications were rejected due to some disputes.

During the submission of applications, the plot owners paid a fixed Rs 10,000 fee. Once they were notified that their money would not be refunded, the plot owners were surprised. Some of the plot owners requested Chief Minister Mr K Chandrasekhar Rao to intervene and direct the HMDA to refund their deposits. Plot owners stated that during lockdowns many of them already are suffering from financial losses. 

The initial payment of applicants is considered as a fee for processing applications, reviewing the site and rejecting applications. A senior officer who works on LRS applications said that the whole process involves a significant amount of preparation and expense, but HMDA will reimburse the excess amount received from owners of plots in Hyderabad.

By: Shailaja K