What is Poramboke Land in India? Meaning, Types, Ownership & Patta Rules Explained

If you’ve heard the term Poramboke land and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. This term is widely used in India, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, but many people are unsure about its legal status, ownership, and whether it can be converted into private property.

This comprehensive guide explains:

What Poramboke land is
The different types found across India
Who owns it
Whether residents living on such land can get a patta (land ownership document)

What is Poramboke Land?

Poramboke land (sometimes spelled pormboke or poramboku) refers to government-owned land that is not assessed for revenue and is reserved for public or community use.

It is not meant for private ownership or commercial development unless officially regularized by government authorities.

Difference from Patta Land:

Unlike patta land, which has legal ownership documents and can be bought or sold, Poramboke land remains government property and is intended for:

Communal welfare
Ecological protection
Infrastructure purposes

Types of Poramboke Land in India

Poramboke land isn’t just one kind of land—it covers a wide variety of types, each serving distinct public purposes. Below are the most common types found across India:

1. Roads & Pathways

Village roads, cart tracks, and footpaths
Connect hamlets and towns
Maintained by local panchayats or municipal bodies
Must remain accessible to the public

2. Water Bodies

Includes ponds, lakes, tanks, canals, and rivers
Used for irrigation, drinking water, and ecological balance
Strictly non-allottable and protected by law

3. Grazing Lands

Known as Gochar land in some regions
Open lands for farmers to graze cattle and livestock

4. Burial Grounds / Cremation Sites

Designated for burial or cremation
Managed by community trusts or religious bodies

5. Community Commons (Grama Natham)

Open grounds, temple lands, or other public spaces
Used for gatherings, festivals, or social activities

6. Government Waste Land

Unused or barren land, often on village outskirts
May be eligible for government allotments under special schemes

Need help converting land measurements? Use this simple tool to convert between acres, cents, sq. ft, and more.

Various Other Poramboke Land Types

In addition to the above, other types include:

Natham Poramboke: Village common land for grazing or communal use
Kaani Poramboke: Waste or fallow land unsuitable for farming
Thanni Poramboke: Water bodies like ponds and canals
Vayal Poramboke: Fallow agricultural land temporarily not in use
Cheri Poramboke: Settlement or hamlet common spaces
Kudikadu Poramboke: Land occupied illegally for housing or private use

Regional Names of Poramboke Land Across India

Though “Poramboke” is common in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, similar types of government-owned, non-revenue land exist across India under various local names:

➡️ Despite regional differences, all these lands are state-owned and reserved for public or environmental use.

Who Owns Poramboke Land?

Poramboke land is owned by the government:

State Government
Local Municipal Authorities
Revenue Department

It is not private property unless it is officially allotted or regularized.

Want to check if the land you're interested in is Poramboke or patta? Use this guide to check property ownership online in your state.

Can You Get Patta for Poramboke Land?

Generally, no.

Living on Poramboke land does not automatically entitle you to a patta (legal land ownership document).

However, in some states:

Regularization or land allotment schemes are available
Long-term residents (usually 30+ years) can apply for patta
Conditions:
The land must not be environmentally or legally restricted (e.g., water bodies)
Valid proof of continuous residence is required
Government authorities must verify and approve the application

👉 States like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh have such schemes. Always check local regulations.

Looking for clear-title properties with proper land classification? View current listings that comply with official land records.

Is Building on Poramboke Land Legal?

No.

Constructing buildings on Poramboke land without government approval is illegal and considered encroachment.

Unauthorized structures can be demolished
Occupants may face penalties

✅ Always obtain official permission before constructing on such land.

Final Thoughts

Poramboke land serves important ecological, infrastructural, and social purposes.

If you live on or near Poramboke land and want to check eligibility for patta or land conversion:

Visit your local Taluk Office, Revenue Department, or District Collectorate
Check your state government’s land records portal
Consult a legal professional for personal guidance

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult local authorities or a qualified lawyer for specific land-related queries.

FAQs

1.What exactly is Poramboke land?

Poramboke land is government-owned land not assessed for revenue. It is reserved for public/community use like roads, water bodies, grazing lands, or village commons.