Unified Land Policy for Gautam Budh Nagar Nears Completion After 14 Years of Planning

After more than 14 years of planning and delays, the three development authorities of Gautam Budh Nagar — Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway , are on the verge of finalizing a unified land policy. This long-awaited policy aims to standardize land allocation across various sectors such as industrial, residential, and commercial.

The Need for Standardization: Objective Behind the Unified Policy

The initiative to create a unified land policy was launched in 2010, with the objective of bringing clarity and consistency to the land allocation processes in the region. The policy was envisioned to streamline eligibility criteria, lease terms, rent structures, and procedural formalities for land allocations across the three authorities. However, due to logistical issues and administrative hurdles, the project faced significant delays, preventing its timely implementation.

In the past year, there has been a renewed focus on finalizing the policy. Talks between the three authorities resumed in a board meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, marking a significant step forward. A proposal for the unification of policies was presented at the meeting, outlining the benefits of a standardized regulatory framework for industrial land allotments.

Challenges and Delays in Policy Development

The necessity for a unified land policy was recognized over a decade ago, primarily due to inconsistencies in the policies governing land allocations. Initially, the allotment process for industrial lands was based on objectives, which later shifted to interviews and, finally, e-tenders. After much back-and-forth, the authorities settled on an objective-based criteria system, but not without consequences. The delays led to almost 10 months of suspended industrial land allotments, causing frustration among businesses and investors.

To address these issues, the Greater Noida Authority hired the consultancy firm Sarc & Associates in 2010 to help draft a standardized approach to land allotment. However, the project was delayed due to operational challenges, and the work remained incomplete.

In 2023, the Greater Noida Authority revived the contract with Sarc & Associates to resume the work of drafting the unified land policy. Each of the three authorities — Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway — designated a nodal officer to coordinate efforts and ensure the project’s successful completion.

Renewed Efforts and Steps Towards Unification

In a letter from September 2023, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh instructed the authorities to restart the contract with Sarc & Associates at the original cost of Rs 36.5 lakh plus GST. Despite the prolonged delays, the consultancy agreed to continue its work at the same rate, which was set 14 years ago.

A meeting in December 2023 between nodal officers and finance controllers of the three authorities assessed the current land allocation policies and began the process of aligning them to create new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This collaboration culminated in a proposal for the unified land policy that was presented to the Greater Noida Authority’s board earlier this year. The proposal has since been approved by the board, and discussions are now underway at the other two authorities to share the cost of consultancy and finalize the details of the policy.

The key agenda of the new policy includes aligning the eligibility criteria, lease terms, rent structures, and other procedural formalities. The goal is to ensure that land allotments are carried out in a transparent and efficient manner, benefiting businesses and investors alike.

Unified Land Policy Aims:

• Bring consistency to land allocation procedures across various sectors, including industrial, residential, and commercial.
• Establish clear and uniform criteria for land allotment, ensuring transparency and fairness.
• Create uniform lease terms, rent structures, and procedural formalities for all types of land allocations.
•  Minimize bureaucratic inefficiencies that have led to delays in land allotments, especially for industrial projects.
• Facilitate business growth and industrial development by creating a more predictable and transparent regulatory environment.
• Aligning policies across the three authorities to simplify land allotment and make it easier for investors and businesses to navigate the process.

Impact on Business and Investment

Unified land policy is adopted, it is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the region’s industrial and commercial landscape. By standardizing the processes across the three development authorities, the policy will create a more predictable and transparent framework for land allotments. A consistent policy across the three authorities will not only reduce confusion but also foster a more conducive environment for industrial development, driving economic growth in Gautam Budh Nagar.

At present, the unified land policy proposal is in the final stages and awaits approval from the boards of all three development authorities. Once implemented, the policy is expected to streamline land allocation processes and significantly reduce inefficiencies that have hindered the region’s growth for over a decade