BENGALURU: The Karnataka Revenue Department has initiated a substantial campaign against illegal land developments, targeting unauthorized layouts established through the misuse of land laws. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has instructed officials to identify and take strict action against officers involved in these violations.
Across the state, valuable agricultural lands are being unlawfully converted into residential plots without the necessary approvals mandated by Section 95 of the Land Revenue Act. Developers are misusing “11E maps,” intended for legitimate partitioning, to subdivide land into smaller parcels, sometimes less than one gunta, and market them as part of layouts. Many of these new developments lack essential infrastructure, leading to significant urban planning challenges.
Investigations have uncovered instances of collusion between officials and landowners to bypass conversion regulations, resulting in widespread infractions. Since September of last year, the department has been amassing data on such cases, including those linked to the “Swavalambi” scheme, where 11E maps were issued without proper conversions and subsequently regularized through “phodi durasthi” (land record adjustments).
The minister assured that legitimate cases would be spared from the crackdown, but wherever illegal plotting is uncovered, the land will be confiscated, and strong disciplinary measures will be taken against the implicated individuals. Some officials have already faced suspension due to their involvement in the malpractice. Despite a 2021 order prohibiting these activities under Section 105 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, violations persist in certain districts.
In at least 117 reviewed applications, improper partitioning and sales of land without agricultural usage or legal conversion have resulted in significant revenue losses for the state.
“We will not tolerate manipulation of land laws to benefit a few at the cost of public interest. Illegal layouts will be seized, and those responsible will face strict punishment.” – Minister Krishna Byre Gowda
A case from Maddur, in the Mandya district, exemplifies the illegal practices. An application under the “Swavalambi” scheme sought the division into seven blocks with 118 maps. On December 20, 2023, 11E maps were illicitly issued for parcels measuring only 1–3 guntas, which were later converted into 45 residential sites. Adjustments to land records facilitated their sale without proper approvals.
During a recent progress review meeting, the minister directed all Deputy Commissioners to compile data on 30,340 suspected cases. Officials are tasked with verifying each case for legality and reporting their findings within a week. Subsequent legal actions and land seizure orders will be based on these reports. Minister Gowda reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding agricultural land and enforcing the law, stating, “We will not tolerate manipulation of land laws to benefit a few at the cost of public interest.”
