Image Source : The Statesman
In a decisive move aimed at transforming the industrial landscape of the National Capital Region, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a six-member committee to chart a strategic roadmap for utilizing vast tracts of unused land under Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authorities (Yeida). With over four lakh hectares of land notified but only a fraction acquired and developed, the panel’s formation signals a renewed push to streamline land use, attract investments, and boost employment.
The committee, headed by the additional chief secretary of the planning department, has been tasked with submitting its recommendations within 15 days. The CEO of Invest UP, the state’s nodal investment body, will serve as the member secretary, ensuring alignment with broader industrial goals.
Key Highlights From The Land Utilization Initiative
- Approximately four lakh hectares of land have been notified under Noida, Greater Noida, and Yeida
- Only 150,000 hectares are covered under master plans, and just 40,000 hectares have been acquired
- The remaining land remains locked due to regulatory hurdles and lack of acquisition
- The committee will study best practices from other states and analyze land data to identify actionable areas
- Recommendations will focus on accelerating acquisition, easing approvals, and unlocking land for industrial use
This initiative is part of the state’s larger industrial roadmap, which includes the Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy, 2022, and over 30 sector-specific policies.
Challenges In Land Acquisition And Development
The state government has acknowledged several bottlenecks that have hindered land development:
- Building maps in notified areas are not being approved, leaving landowners in limbo
- Properties sanctioned before notification now require fresh no-objection certificates, causing delays
- At the current pace, acquiring the full notified area could take years, risking long-term underdevelopment
- Landowners face hardships in reconstructing or modifying existing structures due to overlapping regulations
Chief Secretary SP Goyal emphasized that these challenges must be addressed urgently to prevent stagnation and ensure investor confidence.
Composition And Mandate Of The Committee
The newly formed panel brings together key stakeholders from planning, housing, investment, and legal departments:
- Headed by the additional chief secretary (planning)
- Includes the additional chief secretary (housing and urban planning), CEOs of Invest UP and Yeida
- Also includes the chief town and country planner and a senior justice department official
- The committee will analyze notified, master-planned, and acquired land data across all three authorities
- It will propose a strategy to unlock land trapped in regulatory limbo and streamline development approvals
The committee’s mandate reflects a holistic approach, combining policy reform, administrative coordination, and investor facilitation.
Implications For Industrial Growth And Investment
The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for Uttar Pradesh’s industrial ambitions:
- Unlocking land will enable faster allotments for industrial projects, especially in high-growth sectors
- It will improve predictability for investors, reducing delays in project execution
- The initiative aligns with the state’s goal of becoming a top investment destination in India
- Job creation is expected to accelerate as new industrial zones become operational
- The policy overhaul may also attract global manufacturers seeking large, contiguous land parcels
Officials believe that resolving land bottlenecks is critical to sustaining the momentum built by recent investment summits and infrastructure upgrades.
Conclusion: A Timely Push Toward Land Reform And Industrial Expansion
The Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to form a high-level panel to address land utilization challenges in the NCR is both timely and strategic. With lakhs of hectares lying idle due to regulatory and planning gaps, the new committee has a clear mandate to unlock value, drive industrial growth, and ease investor entry. As the panel prepares its recommendations, stakeholders across sectors are watching closely, hopeful that this initiative will pave the way for a more dynamic and investment-friendly land ecosystem.
Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, New Indian Express
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