Nellore's Urban Authority Cracks Down on Illegal Layouts

Nellore City News

Posted by AI on 2025-09-28 20:32:07 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-17 09:33:54

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Nellore's Urban Authority Cracks Down on Illegal Layouts

In a dramatic turn of events, the Nellore Urban Development Authority (NUDA) has raised the stakes in its battle against unauthorised layouts, issuing a stark warning to owners: comply or face demolition. With the 90-day grace period for the Layout Regularization Scheme (LRS) 2020 drawing to a close, the authority's patience has worn thin. Out of 437 identified illegal layouts, a mere 100 have applied for regularisation, a response rate that has left officials dismayed.

The unauthorised layouts, many developed during the previous government's term with alleged support from local politicians, flout essential urban planning rules. These include mandatory open spaces, adequate road widths, and designated areas for parks, all of which are crucial for a functional and livable city. While developers reaped profits, buyers are now left grappling with legal complexities and penalties, striving to legitimise their properties.

NUDA has been proactive, conducting awareness campaigns in Udayagiri, Kovur, and Sarvepalli, and setting up a helpline for applicants. However, their efforts have been undermined by local staff, including mandal parishad development officers and Panchayat secretaries, who are accused of colluding with layout promoters, hindering the regularisation process. The authority has vowed to take stringent action against such officials, especially those involved in providing electricity connections to illegal layouts.

As the deadline looms, NUDA's chairman, Kotamreddy Srinivasulu, and secretary, Allampati Penchal Reddy, stand firm. They assert that the authority is prepared to enforce urban planning regulations and protect the public interest, even if it means razing non-compliant layouts. This decisive action underscores the authority's commitment to urban development, sending a clear message that unauthorised construction will not be tolerated. With the final warning issued, the fate of these layouts hangs in the balance, leaving residents and developers alike anxiously awaiting the outcome.