PATNA: A senior official announced on Monday that the development of 11 proposed satellite townships in Bihar will proceed through land-pooling under the Town Planning Scheme (TPS).
On Wednesday, the state government approved the establishment of these greenfield townships and enacted a moratorium on land sales, transfers, developments, and construction activities in the identified regions.
Urban Development and Housing Department (UDHD) principal secretary Vinay Kumar stated to reporters, “We aim to include everyone in the development process. The townships will be developed using land-pooling under the TPS, whereby 55% of the developed land will be returned to the farmers.”
The Town Planning Scheme, as established by the Bihar Urban Planning and Development (BUPD) Act of 2012, is a legal framework for land-pooling that facilitates the transformation of irregular and undeveloped land into organized urban layouts without compulsory acquisition.
Kumar mentioned that the planned townships would encompass residential, commercial, and economic centers, facilitating a transition from agriculture-based settlements to sectors focused on secondary and tertiary industries, which will create jobs and enhance per capita income.
“Land values are predicted to rise significantly—by at least 10 to 20 times in certain areas, like Punpun,” Kumar claimed.
For those who do not choose land pooling, the government will provide options for negotiated purchases at market rates and a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) initiative, promising over five times the land’s value, according to the principal secretary.
Kumar noted that consultations are ongoing with World Bank specialists to ensure organized development of the townships.
Detailing the TPS, Kumar highlighted that approximately 22% of the land will be allocated for connectivity, 5% for green spaces and public utilities, 3% for economically weaker sections, and 15% for infrastructure, which will include sewage treatment plants, water facilities, and electrical grids.
The temporary halt on land transactions in designated areas is aimed at preventing unplanned growth and guaranteeing that farmers receive fair compensation for their land, the principal secretary stated.
