Maharashtra to regularise pre-2011 land encroachments, free up to 500 sq ft

The Maharashtra government has approved the regularisation of residential encroachments on government land existing on or before January 1, 2011, offering free ownership for plots up to 500 sq ft, in a move aimed at providing housing security to lakhs of low-income families. The scheme will not apply to Mumbai and Mumbai Suburban districts.

Revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule told TOI, “It is the govt's firm stand that no needy family in the state should remain without shelter,” adding that progress of the scheme will be reviewed every three months.

According to a government resolution issued on Friday, encroachments beyond 500 sq ft will attract an occupancy fee of 10% of the prevailing market value, with the maximum eligible area capped at 1,500 sq ft. Any construction beyond this limit will be removed. Structures with partial commercial use will be charged 25% of the market value for the commercial portion.


The land will be granted jointly in the names of husband and wife under the “occupancy class-II” category. A registration fee of Rs 1,000 will be applicable for plots up to 1,000 sq ft. Authorities have mandated strict scrutiny to ensure non-citizens are excluded from the scheme.

Encroachments on ecologically or socially sensitive land — including riverbeds, grazing lands, forests, public roads, cremation grounds, playgrounds, and land reserved for schools and hospitals — will not be regularised. Eligible families residing in such locations will instead be considered for alternative housing under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

To qualify, applicants must provide proof of residence prior to January 1, 2011, through documents such as voter lists, electricity bills, or property tax receipts, along with evidence of continuous residence over the past year.

Implementation will be overseen by multi-tier committees led by district collectors, sub-divisional officers and tehsildars. A 17-member panel under the guardian minister will function at the district level, alongside additional committees at the constituency level.

(With inputs from TOI)