LUCKNOW: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh will implement a new urban redevelopment policy aimed at revitalizing cities, reorganizing land, and attracting private investment, all while protecting the livelihoods of families impacted by these changes.
The policy will focus on upgrading outdated structures and neglected areas with modern urban infrastructure and ample public amenities, as stated by the UP government.
Adityanath emphasized that the urban redevelopment initiative seeks to rejuvenate cities holistically across the state.
While addressing a Housing Department meeting, he stated, “Our cities are not just collections of buildings; they are vibrant social entities.” He expressed the necessity for a policy that harmonizes modernity, tradition, and humanity.
The Chief Minister underscored the importance of ensuring that cities are livable, safe, clean, and well-organized, prioritizing public interest to avoid negatively impacting any property or livelihood.
He instructed that the policy prioritize land reorganization, private investment promotion, a clear rehabilitation system, and the protection of affected families’ livelihoods.
Every project should adhere to the principle of “public interest first,” ensuring no adverse effects on individuals’ property or livelihoods, he added.
Further, he urged that the new policy prioritize establishing a state-level redevelopment authority, implementing a single-window project approval system, and adopting a public-private partnership model.
The government stressed that investors should receive clear guidelines, incentives, and assurances to encourage private sector involvement in redevelopment. Importantly, all projects must include provisions for green building standards, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
Adityanath also highlighted the need to preserve the historical and cultural heritage of cities.
He mentioned that tailored strategies should be devised for old markets, government housing complexes, industrial zones, and unauthorized settlements. Redevelopment efforts will prioritize retired government housing, aging housing societies, and encroachment-affected areas.
The draft of the new policy should incorporate suggestions from public representatives, municipal bodies, and citizens and be swiftly presented for cabinet approval.
Additionally, the meeting addressed the implementation of external development charges by urban development authorities.
Adityanath stressed that these charges must be practical and citizen-friendly. Currently, uniform rates apply to all types of land use, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural, which is deemed impractical. He directed that the new system set charges based on location and land use.
He also instructed that external development charges for agricultural and industrial land should be lower compared to residential and commercial uses. Moreover, rates should vary for land within municipal limits versus land outside them, balancing the interests of investors and citizens.
He called for a transparent and straightforward system for calculating external development charges, with collected funds allocated solely for external infrastructure—roads, water supply, sewage, stormwater drainage, electricity, and other public amenities. Development authorities will be held accountable for this use of funds.
Adityanath tasked the housing department with reviewing existing provisions regarding external development charges and developing a citizen-friendly, transparent, and practical policy framework promptly, so urban development plans can progress and citizens can gain tangible benefits, as per the statement.
