Farmers and Private Developers Can Now Build Townships Through Land Pooling in Madhya Pradesh.
Bhopal: Farmers, farmer groups, or private developers in Madhya Pradesh can now collaborate to develop townships through land pooling. If an individual or group does not have enough land to establish an integrated township, they can combine their land with that of nearby farmers or private landowners to create the project. Government Support in Land Acquisition To facilitate land acquisition, developers can request assistance from development authorities or other government agencies. These agencies will help in acquiring land based on mutual agreement. If government-owned land falls within the project area, an exemption of up to eight hectares may be granted. New Township Policy Introduced To support this initiative, the Urban Development and Housing Department has drafted a new Integrated Township Policy that includes provisions for land pooling. The regulations have been simplified, and the policy will apply not only to development authorities but also to other housing project agencies. The final decision on this proposed policy is expected to be made during the cabinet meeting on February 11. Addressing Infrastructure Challenges Currently, under the Colonizer Act, there is no minimum land requirement for developing colonies, leading to unplanned and scattered residential developments in urban areas. As a result, essential facilities and infrastructure often remain underdeveloped. The Integrated Township Policy aims to address this issue by ensuring planned development in designated areas.
Township Development Criteria
– In cities with a population of less than 5 lakh, a township must be developed on a minimum of 10 hectares within the municipal boundary or planning area.
– In cities with a population exceeding 5 lakh, the required land area remains 10 hectares within the municipal boundary and 40 hectares outside it.
– This shift ensures well-planned and structured colonies instead of random small developments.
Land Pooling for Large Projects . If a farmer or private developer does not possess sufficient land, they can form a group to develop a project through land pooling.
– A developer must acquire at least 80% of the required land before requesting assistance from relevant authorities for the remaining land.
– Authorities will help acquire the remaining land through mutual agreements.
– If government-owned land is part of the project, an exemption of up to eight hectares may be granted. Flexibility in Land Use and Benefits for Developers
– Stamp duty exemptions and additional floor area ratio (FAR) benefits will be provided.
– If agricultural land is purchased for township development, restrictions on maximum landholding size will be relaxed since the land is being used for a specific purpose.
– 50% of the acquired land must be allocated for public infrastructure and amenities, ensuring a balance between residential and public use. This new township policy aims to promote organized urban growth, improve infrastructure development, and provide better living conditions for residents in Madhya Pradesh.
