YEIDA land probe: Unfit allottees got cheap land in Sector 17A

Based on the findings submitted by the probe panel, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority will now recover land from companies that got plots in 2010 at concessional rates in Sector 17A of Greater Noida

Greater Noida: The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) committee has completed its probe into land allotment that allegedly caused huge loss to the government. The panel, headed by additional chief executive officer (ACEO) Amarnath Upadhyay, submitted his report to YEIDA chief executive officer Arun Vir Singh for further action.

In 2010, YEIDA had marketed Sector 17A as a ‘mini-special economic zone (SEZ)’ with an aim to create jobs for children of farmers, who gave their agricultural land for this scheme. (HT File)

Probe reveals that many plot owners did not meet the norms laid down for allotment and were thus violating rules. These plot owners now stand to lose the allotted plot(s).

“We have submitted our probe report to the CEO. Now, he will take action on the basis of report. We have found that plot owners failed to develop facilities and create jobs as promised within six years of the allotment. Therefore these plot owners, who violated norms can face action as per law,” additional chief executive officer (ACEO) Amarnath Upadhyay said.

In the first week of October, YEIDA chairman Dr Prabhat Kumar had formed a committee to probe the alleged irregularities in land allotment. The probe was ordered following complaints that the authority officials allegedly ‘favoured’ allottees of these plots by fixing low rate as compared to the market rate.

Based on the report’s finding, the YEIDA will now recover land from companies that got plots at concessional rates in Sector17A along the Yamuna Expressway.

Sector 17A is opposite the Buddh International Circuit, the motor racing circuit in Greater Noida, along the 165km-long Yamuna Expressway that connects Greater Noida with Agra. In 2010, YEIDA had marketed the area as ‘mini-special economic zone (SEZ)’ with an aim to create job opportunities in this area for children of farmers, who gave their agricultural land for this scheme.

YEIDA had allotted plots to educational institutions and corporate houses. The plots were in two categories—14 large size institutional plots measuring 40 acres and 101 plots of size 4,000 to 10,000 square meters. The authority had allotted plots at a rate of ₹1,629 per square meters. The authority gave plot owners maximum six years time for constructing the educational or other institution.

“The prevailing market rate in this sector at that time was around ₹7,000 per square meter for institutional plots. It means most of the plot owners were favoured by the officials. Now, probe report will reveal the names of these companies that were favoured during allotment,” another YEIDA official said.

As of now, only two private universities are operational in Sector 17A. Most of the plots are lying vacant. Besides, many plot owners have been found to be defaulting on the payment of their instalments.

YEIDA chief executive officer Arun Vir Singh could not be reached for comments on the outcome of the report.