When buying land, verifying the details is most important. From proper state approvals to solidify the legitimacy of ownership to getting the DTCP approval check, there is a lot to do! Considered the most important among other municipal corporation approvals and NOCs. The DTCP approval indicates the property’s legal compliance with building rules and the provision of basic infrastructure, such as power, drainage, and roads.

If the plot is not DTCP-approved, legal issues may arise, making it difficult to obtain a home loan and transfer the property. Hence, it is essential to check whether the plot is DTCP-approved or not before investing in it. You can also check the status on the online portal and approach Subhagruha Projects (India) Pvt Ltd to assist with a risk-free, clear-title purchase. However, to better understand DTCP approval online verification, let’s go in-depth with a step-by-step procedure. Before that, let us understand what DTCP approval is and its benefits.

What is DTCP Approval?

The Directorate of Town and Country Planning is a regulatory body that came into existence to govern land and building development in Tamil Nadu and is governed by the Country Planning Act of 1971. The DTCP authorities work to oversee land use and development across the state.

Benefits of DTCP Approval

There are many benefits when the DTCP is approved. It ensures a secure investment and helps you to buy only approved land, so make sure you approach only the real estate promoters with a clean record. The other benefits include:

• Access to essential utilities, including electricity, water, and drainage systems.
• No issues during the release process, as the DTCP plots are preferred and the land adheres to local land-use regulations, including DTCP guidelines.

What Does DTCP Approved Layout Mean?

A DTCP-approved layout indicates that a piece of land has received the state approval. The approved property is then checked by the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, which verifies details, including property ownership, size, dimensions, layout, and address, to match the document specifications. The DTCP-approved properties layout also gives assurance of proper infrastructure, such as roads, sewage, and electricity connections.

How to Verify DTCP Approval Online – Step-by-Step Guide

Checking DTCP (Directorate of Town and Country Planning) approval is one of the most important steps when buying land. Proper verification helps you avoid fraud, illegal layouts, hidden disputes, and future financial losses. Below is a simplified, step-by-step guide for the DTCP approval check online.

DTCP Approval Check by Survey Number

Every approved layout has a record maintained with the DTCP department.
To verify:

• Get the exact survey number of the land from the seller or developer.
• Make sure the survey number matches the layout brochure, sale deed, and field location.
• Check this survey number in the DTCP database for authenticity.
• If the survey number does not appear in the official records, the layout may not be approved.

DTCP Approval Check Online (State Wise Process)

Most states now allow you to verify approvals directly on their official planning authority websites.

• Tamil Nadu (DTCP)

Visit the Land Use Information page → Enter survey number → View approval status.

• Andhra Pradesh (DTCP/APUPDA)

The AP DTCP portal lets you check approvals using layout number, survey number, or a year-wise list.

• Karnataka

You can browse DTCP Karnataka for approved layouts and detailed planning permissions.

• Maharashtra

MTPA (Town Planning Authority) provides layout verification through their regional portals.

• Rajasthan & Gujarat

Both states have planning authority portals with public access to approval records.

Official Websites (State Wise)

How to Check DTCP Approval Status Online

Most portals follow a similar process:

• Visit the official DTCP or state planning authority website.
• Look for options such as “Approved Layouts,” “Online Verification,” “Approval Status,” or “Land Use Information.”
• Enter details like: DTCP approval number, Survey number, Layout number, District / Mandal / Village.
• View the approval certificate, layout drawing, and status. This ensures the layout is officially approved and not located in a restricted or agricultural zone.

DTCP Approval Number Verification (Very Important)

You can verify the approval number in two ways:

Online Verification

• Enter the DTCP approval number on the official website.
• Check whether the number matches the layout shared by the developer.
• Confirm that the approval is active, valid for that survey number, and not expired.

Local Office Verification

If you want additional assurance:

• Visit the district DTCP office.
• Request confirmation from planning officials.
• Cross-check the layout copy, land use permission, and approval letter.

Document-Based DTCP Verification (Must-Check Before Buying)

Before you purchase the plot, request these essential documents from the seller:

• Layout Approval Letter: Shows that the layout follows planning rules and is officially approved.
• DTCP Approval Certificate: A stamped and signed document bearing the DTCP approval number.
• Detailed Layout Plan: Includes plot numbers, roads, OSR areas, and survey boundaries.
• Land Title Deed: Confirms the legal ownership of the land. Also. check that the seller has undisputed rights to sell.

These documents should match the online verification records.

Validate Approval Through the DTCP Authority

Once you obtain the documents:

• Visit the state’s DTCP online portal.
• Verify the approval number, year of approval, and survey numbers.
• Ensure the layout map uploaded online matches the one shared by the developer.
• Check if any updates or changes were made after approval.

This double-check protects you from forged approval documents.

Check Survey Numbers & Layout Plan Accuracy

Always confirm:

• The plot number matches the location on the ground.
• The survey number matches the layout map and approval records.
• The layout is not encroaching on roads, water bodies, or government land.

For CMDA or other metropolitan regions, survey numbers can also be checked through their respective portals.

Consult a Property Legal Expert (Highly Recommended)

Even if everything appears correct, consulting a real estate lawyer can save you from hidden risks.

A legal expert will:

• Verify encumbrances
• Check for litigation
• Review past ownership history
• Validate land conversion status
• Ensure documents are clean and updated

This step prevents future complications during registration or construction.

Added Value: Bonus Tips for Buyers

• Avoid buying unapproved or farm layout plots marketed as “soon to be approved.”
• Always check if the seller has obtained LTP (Layout Technical Permission) in addition to DTCP approval.
• Check whether the layout properly allocates OSR (Open Space Reservation)- it’s required for approval.
• Avoid layouts that modify plot boundaries after approval- this is illegal.