Delay in registration of VMRDA plots leaves buyers waiting

Hundreds of buyers who purchased plots from the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority are still waiting for registration, even months after paying the full amount. The delay has triggered complaints over poor communication and slow action by officials.

Most affected buyers come from middle-class families. Many took loans or pledged gold to buy the plots. “We paid the full amount within the deadline, but months have passed with no clarity on registration,” said a buyer from Vizianagaram district.

Another buyer said repeated follow-ups brought no response. “We keep visiting the VMRDA office and calling officials, but no one gives clear answers. Frequent travel to Visakhapatnam is also costly,” he said.

VMRDA developed eight layouts across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Anakapalli districts. These layouts include about 2,200 plots spread over 398 acres. The authority allotted 844 plots through a lottery and sold 161 through auction. So far, officials have completed registrations for only a small number of plots.

Plots at Jiyyannavalasa and Raghumanda in Vizianagaram district and Anandapuram in Visakhapatnam district are almost sold out. Buyers from different parts of the State invested in these layouts. “People from other districts face more trouble because online registration is not available and personal visits are compulsory,” another buyer said.

Buyers also pointed out that VMRDA collects payments online within strict timelines and charges interest for delays. In contrast, registrations remain pending for months and, in some cases, even a year after full payment. “The rules apply only to buyers. No one is held accountable when the authority delays registration,” a buyer said.

VMRDA Commissioner Teja Bharat acknowledged the complaints and said the authority had taken note of the issue. He said officials were working to streamline the process. The authority plans to set up a special cell for plot registrations and deploy additional staff for surveys and sketch preparation. VMRDA is also considering completing registrations within 72 hours of plot purchase.