Skip to content
gangaexpressway.comGanga Expressway Property Guide
हिंदी
Menu

Buyer guide

Agricultural land conversion in Uttar Pradesh (Section 80, formerly Section 143)

Quick answer

To use agricultural land in Uttar Pradesh for housing, commerce or industry, the owner applies to the SDM for a declaration of non-agricultural use. Under the UP Revenue Code, 2006, this is a Section 80 declaration, which replaced Section 143 of the old Zamindari Abolition Act. Building approvals from the planning authority are still needed separately.

Last updated: · Reviewed by Editorial team · Sources

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Why does conversion matter near the expressway?

Many plots sold near new expressways are farmland divided into small plots. Without a non-agricultural declaration and layout approval, the buyer may find that the plot is still recorded as agricultural land, cannot be built on, and was never legally a “plot”.

What are the steps?

  1. Check the khatauni on UP Bhulekh for ownership and land class.
  2. Apply to the SDM for a Section 80 declaration, with the khatauni, map and fees.
  3. After the declaration, the record is updated.
  4. Inside a planning area, get land-use and building approvals from the development authority.

What should buyers ask for?

The Section 80 order, the approved layout plan and, for larger plotted projects, the UP RERA registration.

Frequently asked questions

Is Section 143 still used in UP?

People still say "143" out of habit, but the provision now in use is Section 80 of the UP Revenue Code, 2006, which replaced Section 143 of the UP Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act. Check the current procedure and fees with the tehsil.

Who grants the Section 80 declaration?

The application goes to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the tehsil. The khatauni is updated to show the land as declared for non-agricultural use once the declaration is made.

Does a Section 80 declaration let me build?

Not by itself. If the land is inside a development authority's planning area, you also need its land-use and building approvals. The declaration changes the revenue record; the planning approvals control what you can build.

Can I buy farmland plots sold as a residential colony?

Be careful. If the seller has not obtained the declaration and layout approval, you may own a share of farmland on which you cannot legally build. Ask for the declaration order, the approved layout, and the RERA registration where the project is large enough to need it.

Sources

  1. Government of Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006 (exact article not yet recorded) · not yet checked by our editors
  2. Board of Revenue, Uttar Pradesh: UP Bhulekh land records · not yet checked by our editors