Nilam to Purayidam in Kerala: the basics
A simple guide to reclassifying land recorded as "nilam" in Kerala revenue records as "purayidam". The right route for your land can only be decided after checking its records.
What are nilam and purayidam?
The land tax register (BTR) records the type of every plot. Paddy land or wetland is recorded as "nilam"; dry land where houses and other buildings are allowed is "purayidam".
Many plots have not been cultivated for years, or were filled long ago, yet are still recorded as nilam.
Why reclassify?
- A building permit is hard to get on land recorded as nilam.
- Banks hesitate to accept such land as security for a loan.
- Buyers may walk away or the price may drop.
What does the law say?
The basis is the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008, which aims to protect paddy fields and wetlands.
For eligible land, reclassification can be sought through an application before the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).
Whether the plot is listed in the "data bank" affects which route applies. An advocate should decide this after checking the records.
General steps
- Collecting and checking documents
- Site inspection
- Application to the RDO
- Hearing
- Order and correction of the record
Documents usually needed
- Land tax receipt
- Title deed
- Possession certificate
- Location sketch
- Encumbrance certificate (EC)
- Aadhaar / ID
- Photos / videos of the land
Was your application rejected before?
Even after a rejection there may be legal routes such as an appeal, depending on the reasons in the order and the records. Every case is different.
How Bhu-Mithra helps
- About 5000 cases handled, about 2500 favourable judgments, the rest ongoing.
- A large advocate team checks every case.
- Scan and send documents from your phone; follow every step in the app.
- Service across all 14 districts of Kerala.
Districts we serve
ThiruvananthapuramKollamPathanamthittaAlappuzhaKottayamIdukkiErnakulamThrissurPalakkadMalappuramKozhikodeWayanadKannurKasaragod
ℹ️ This is general information, not legal advice. Fees, timelines and the route for your case are shared by our team after you register and share your documents.