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VIJAYAWADA: In light of inadequate public response, the state government has opted to extend the deadline for the Layout Regularisation Scheme (LRS) by an additional three months. Initially announced in July, the scheme was set to conclude on October 31. With the new deadline, applications for the regularisation of plans can now be submitted until January 23, 2026. Sources indicate that the extension was prompted by a lack of interest from layout developers and plot owners.
“The state government has decided to prolong the submission period for applications under the Andhra Pradesh Regularisation of Unapproved Layouts and Plots Rules, 2020, extending it to January 23, 2026. This aims to incorporate all unauthorized layouts and plots into the planning framework and ensure organized urban growth throughout the state,” stated S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary for Municipal Administration.
The LRS was reintroduced to regulate illegal layouts starting in August 2025. This scheme had previously been implemented during the TDP regime from 2014 to 2019. After taking office again, the Chandrababu Naidu-led NDA government conducted a study on layouts established under the prior YSRCP administration, revealing a significant number of illegal layouts across many urban local bodies.
The government, recognizing the magnitude of the issue, has relaunched the LRS, aiming to generate additional revenue for the state. The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department issued comprehensive guidelines to municipal commissioners and urban development authorities to combat illegal layouts effectively. Commissioners have been instructed to either eliminate illegal layouts in their jurisdictions or encourage developers to apply for LRS. However, political pressure from ruling party leaders is reportedly hindering town planning officials, particularly ward planning secretaries, from taking action against influential property developers.
Interestingly, the state government’s Building Penalisation Scheme (BPS) has become appealing to builders, allowing them to add additional floors despite the cut-off date established by the government. By August 31, over 59,000 unauthorized constructions were reported on the UCIMS portal, including around 50,000 deviations and nearly 10,000 extra floors. Nonetheless, builders continue to add floors and structures, potentially to leverage the benefits of the BPS.
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