Yeida to bring plot relocation policy to address possession issues

The Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority (Yeida) plans to introduce a plot relocation policy to resolve land disputes and enable thousands of allottees to take possession of their plots. The proposed policy would relocate plots to dispute-free locations, allowing allottees to assume possession and use the plot without hindrance. However, some experts argue that successful completion of public utility projects such as road development hinges on acquiring all contested land patches.

The Yamuna Expressway industrial development authority (Yeida) plans to introduce a plot relocation policy to resolve plot possession delays stemming from ongoing land disputes, enabling thousands of allottees to take possession of their plots.

Yeida’s chief executive officer, Arun Vir Singh, said the proposed policy would greatly benefit plot allottees who have awaited possession of their respective plots. (HT Archive)

The policy approval is slated for discussion in the upcoming board meeting on June 16.

Yeida’s chief executive officer, Arun Vir Singh, said the proposed policy would greatly benefit plot allottees who have awaited possession of their respective plots. He said, “Under this new policy, we will be able to relocate a plot to a dispute-free location, enabling allottees to assume possession and use the plot without hindrance.”

The issue began in 2008 when Yeida began procuring agricultural land from farmers for government schemes such as road and sewage network development and urban development. However, resistance from many farmers, who filed writs in court to retain their land, has resulted in significant development impediments.

Substantial portions of the land remain under farmers’ ownership, obstructing numerous development projects in this region. In addition, specific sectors demonstrate a clear divide, with some areas government-owned and others disputed by farmers. Such disputes have stalled essential infrastructural projects such as roads and parks. “Development of the entire area is halted because some farmers object to land acquisition,” said a Yeida official.

Explaining what the proposed policy will do, the official quoted above said that in a sector, while most plot owners, say 500, can take possession, a small group, for instance, 10, cannot because of unresolved land issues. Therefore, Yeida intends to relocate these affected property owners to a new location where land is not under dispute, the official said.

However, Rishabh Nigam, president of the Yamuna Expressway entrepreneur association, said that while the plot relocation scheme is welcome, it alone will not remove all obstacles to development work. “While the plot relocation scheme would benefit plot owners, the successful completion of public utility projects such as road development hinges on acquiring all contested land patches,” said Nigam.