Hyderabad: The Telangana government is preparing to introduce a Special Farmhouse Policy in the state to regulate the growing demand and construction of farmhouses. Officials are currently working on the procedures, fee structures, and development charges related to the new policy.
A team of officials has already studied the farmhouse policies of Maharashtra, Punjab, and Haryana as part of the groundwork. The proposed policy aims to streamline permissions while ensuring planned development and generating stable revenue through building and development fees.
Farmhouse Demand Rising Across Classes
Traditionally, farmhouses were mostly owned by upper-income groups. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, interest has significantly increased among middle-class and upper-middle-class families. Many people are now looking at farmhouses as weekend retreats to escape city stress and traffic congestion.
With this rising demand, developers have been actively marketing farmhouse plots in areas surrounding Hyderabad.
Current Irregularities in Construction
At present, there is no clear farmhouse policy in Telangana. This has led to several irregular developments.
Reports indicate that developers are constructing and selling farmhouses even on 100 and 200 square yard plots, despite the absence of proper regulatory authority. Agencies like HMDA, DTCP, and Panchayats currently do not have explicit powers under layout rules to grant specific farmhouse permissions.
Some developers are allegedly:
- Registering plots as agricultural lands
- Promoting weekend clubs in the name of farmhouses
- Constructing clubhouses and recreational facilities
- Collecting monthly maintenance charges
- Using commercial power connections under agricultural premises
Areas around the city such as Moinabad, Chilkur, Chevella, Gandipet, Mokila, Shamshabad, Shankarpally, Kandukur, Kadtal, Ghatkesar, Bhuvanagiri, Shamirpet, and Medchal have witnessed a rise in such developments, especially near the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and proposed Regional Ring Road (RRR) corridors.
Proposed Rules Under the New Farmhouse Policy
- A minimum land extent of 1,200 square yards will be mandatory
- A 30-foot-wide road access will be compulsory
- Only 20% of the total plot area can be used for concrete construction
- On a 1,200 sq yard plot, a G+1 structure up to 240 square yards will be permitted
- The remaining 80% must be used strictly for agriculture, horticulture, or plantation purposes
- The maximum building height should not exceed 6 metres
The government is reportedly considering allowing farmhouse construction across different zones — including industrial and agricultural zones — subject to compliance with land-use regulations.
Objective of the Policy
The aim of the Special Farmhouse Policy is to bring clarity to farmhouse permissions, prevent illegal constructions, ensure proper land use, enable planned peri-urban development, and generate revenue through regulated approvals.
The full details of the policy are expected to be announced soon.
