A concerning revelation in Karnataka has uncovered that nearly 90% of farmlands repurposed for non-agricultural uses lack the required legal approvals, sparking growing concern about illegal constructions across the state. This breach of regulations has left the state government scrambling to address the situation, which has been exacerbated by years of neglect.
The issue came to light as the state government began linking Aadhaar with land records. According to reports from Deccan Herald, out of 72.11 lakh land parcels used for non-agricultural purposes, only 4.69 lakh have received the mandatory ‘DC conversions’—orders from deputy commissioners that allow agricultural land to be converted legally for other uses.
Karnataka has a total of 4.11 crore agricultural plots, further highlighting the scale of the problem.
Unregulated land use leads to urban chaos
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda acknowledged that this issue stemmed from years of inadequate oversight. He emphasized that these illegal land conversions have serious long-term repercussions, especially in Bengaluru Urban. The minister pointed out that 13,000 acres of illegal layouts exist in the district. Of that, 6,000 acres—45%—should have been designated for vital infrastructure like roads, parks, and playgrounds. Instead, the land has been left poorly developed, leading to inadequate roads, insufficient drainage systems, and poor parking facilities.
Gowda highlighted that these unregulated developments are directly contributing to flooding and traffic congestion, issues that have become major urban planning challenges in the state. The government now faces the urgent task of addressing the consequences of these illegal land conversions to ensure sustainable growth and development.
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