Punjab Govt eases land pooling policy, offers residential, commercial plots

Landowners whose land is acquired for industrial and institutional projects in Punjab can now opt for residential and commercial plots under the amended land pooling policy.

The Punjab Housing Department has permitted the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to offer these alternatives for land acquired for mixed land use, exhibition, industrial and institutional purposes.

The amended policy will apply not only to future projects, but also to ongoing works in the remaining pockets of developed sectors, specifically including GMADA projects in Sectors 84 and 87 in Mohali. The amendments were notified by Secretary Housing and Urban Development Vikas Garg following Cabinet approval.

Under the revised rules, a landowner whose one acre is acquired for mixed use, exhibition, industrial or institutional projects, may now choose either a 1,000 sq yd residential and 200 sq yd commercial plot, or a 1,600 sq yd residential plot in an adjoining residential sector. Previously, the policy offered an 800 sq yd commercial plot for mixed-use projects, and a 1,600 sq yd industrial or institutional plot for industrial or institutional projects.

For acquisition of one-acre residential land, the earlier allotment was 100 sq yd residential and 200 sq yd commercial plot. Now, the landowner can receive a 1,600 sq yd residential plot.

The department had already allowed small landholders to combine their plots to meet the minimum threshold for eligibility under the scheme. Up to eight landowners, each holding one kanal, can now club their land to form one acre, making them eligible for both residential and commercial plots. “Eight persons owning 1 kanal each can club their land to make it one acre,” a government official explained.