Context:

• In a significant move aimed at resolving long-standing issues surrounding Lal Dora properties, the state government of Haryana has launched a comprehensive registry initiative.
• This initiative is designed to provide formal ownership rights to property owners and long-term tenants in urban areas, marking a pivotal step towards urban development and property rights in the state.

Understanding Lal Dora properties:

• The term Lal Dora refers to specific parcels of land within villages that were delineated during British rule in 1908.
• These lands, marked by a red line on revenue maps, were intended to support village habitation and were exempt from municipal regulations and building bylaws. However, this exemption has often led to complications regarding ownership, as many residents lacked formal documentation, making it difficult to sell properties or access financial services.

Key features of the new initiative

• The Haryana government’s initiative is part of the Chief Minister Urban Body Ownership Scheme and aims to benefit both property owners and long-term tenants. Here are some critical aspects of the scheme:

Property Rights for long-term renters:

• Individuals who have occupied land for over 20 years through rent or lease are now eligible for ownership rights. This is facilitated by allowing them to pay a percentage of the collector rate, which varies based on the duration of occupancy.
• The state government, taking active steps in the direction,  recently distributed property certificates to 5,000 beneficiaries in Manesar. This event symbolized the government's commitment to resolving the issues related to Lal Dora properties and fulfilling promises made in their 2019 election manifesto.

Impact on Urban Development:

• By granting ownership rights, the initiative aims to alleviate fears of eviction and legal disputes among residents. This move is expected to empower property owners, enabling them to sell their properties or secure loans against them.

Historical context and challenges

• Historically, Lal Dora properties have been a source of confusion and legal challenges due to their lack of formal documentation. Many residents relied on actual possession rather than legal titles, leading to disputes and uncertainty. The new initiative addresses these challenges by providing a clear framework for property ownership and rights.

Broader implications

• The initiative is not only a significant step for property owners but also reflects the Haryana government's broader strategy to enhance urban governance and promote economic activities in urban areas. By resolving the ownership issues associated with Lal Dora properties, the government aims to stimulate investment and development in these regions.

Future prospects

• As the Haryana government continues to implement this initiative, it is expected that more residents will benefit from formal ownership rights, leading to increased stability and security in urban areas.
• This decision is likely to have a positive impact as it addresses a crucial issue affecting a large segment of the population. The state government's decision in this regard, to address the challenges surrounding Lal Dora properties marks a significant milestone in property rights and urban development. By empowering residents with ownership rights, the initiative promises to transform the landscape of urban governance in the state, fostering a more secure and prosperous environment for its citizens.

Related info:

• The Svamitva Scheme aims to streamline property ownership rights and boost economic activities in Lal Dora areas. 

Svamitva Scheme:

• The Svamitva Scheme, which stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas, was launched nationally on April 24, 2021, during National Panchayati Raj Day.

Objective:

• The primary goal of the Svamitva Scheme is to provide an integrated solution for validating property ownership in rural areas across India. This scheme is intended to enhance property rights and support rural economic activities.

Technology and implementation:

• The scheme utilizes advanced technology, including drone surveys and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) Networks, to achieve highly accurate mapping with a precision of 5 cm. This technological approach will facilitate detailed and reliable demarcation of rural inhabited areas.

Outcome and coverage:

• The Svamitva Scheme aims to provide a formal 'record of rights' to households in rural areas. It is expected to cover approximately 6.62 lakh villages throughout India over the period from 2021 to 2025, thereby significantly improving property validation in rural regions.