The Chandigarh Housing Board has been asked to prepare a new land pooling policy for villages in the Union Territory. This step is part of a broader effort to support urban development while also addressing the needs of people living in village areas.
The decision was shared by officials from the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh in response to a query raised by a nominated councillor. The councillor had asked about the current status of the land pooling policy and whether any progress had been made.
Officials explained that the proposal to create a suitable land pooling policy had already been approved by the General House of the Municipal Corporation. After approval, the proposal was forwarded to the Chandigarh Administration for further action.
The matter was discussed in a meeting held in December 2023. This meeting was chaired by the Adviser to the Administrator of Chandigarh. During the meeting, the Chandigarh Housing Board was directed to study existing land pooling policies in neighbouring states such as Punjab and Haryana.
The goal is to understand how these states manage land pooling and then design a policy that suits the local conditions of Chandigarh. Officials have said that the process is still ongoing, and the final policy is being carefully developed.
Land pooling is a method of land development in which landowners contribute their land to a common pool. The government then develops the land by adding roads, infrastructure, and public facilities. After development, a portion of the land is returned to the original owners, while the remaining part is used for public purposes or sold for development.
This approach is often seen as a more balanced way of urban expansion because it allows landowners to benefit from the increase in land value after development. It also reduces the need for direct land acquisition, which can sometimes lead to disputes.
The new policy is expected to help Chandigarh expand in a planned manner while ensuring that village residents are not left out of the development process. Authorities want to make sure that local needs are considered and that people living in these areas benefit from improved infrastructure and services.
Along with the land pooling policy, officials also shared information about the status of agricultural land and its control in village areas. This is an important issue because many villages in Chandigarh have both residential and agricultural zones.
According to the Estate Office, several villages were brought under municipal limits through a government notification in 2018. These include areas like Kishangarh, Mauli Jagran, Daria, Raipur Kalan, Makhanmajra, and others.
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However, there is a distinction between different parts of these villages. The residential areas, known as “abadi” areas, fall under municipal control. On the other hand, land outside these areas, especially agricultural land, is governed by a separate law.
This law is the Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act 1952, which still applies to Chandigarh. A notification issued in 2019 clarified that agricultural land outside village residential zones would continue to be regulated under this Act.
This means that even though villages are now part of the municipal area, certain rules related to land use and development remain unchanged for agricultural land. Authorities must follow these rules while planning any new projects.
The upcoming land pooling policy is expected to work within these legal boundaries. It will need to balance development needs with existing regulations and ensure that agricultural land is used carefully.
Experts believe that a well-designed land pooling policy could bring several benefits. It can improve infrastructure in village areas, provide better roads and public services, and create new opportunities for housing and commercial development.
At the same time, it can help avoid conflicts between the government and landowners by offering a more cooperative approach. Instead of acquiring land forcefully, the policy encourages participation and shared benefits.
For residents of these villages, the policy could mean better living conditions and increased property value. However, its success will depend on how well it is implemented and whether it addresses the concerns of local communities.
The Chandigarh Administration is expected to take its time in finalising the policy to ensure that it is fair and effective. Once completed, it could play a key role in shaping the future growth of the city.
Overall, the move reflects a shift towards more inclusive and planned urban development. By involving village residents and learning from neighbouring states, Chandigarh aims to create a model that supports both growth and fairness.
As the process continues, many stakeholders, including residents, planners, and officials, will be closely watching how the policy takes shape and what it means for the future of the city.
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