Amidst the ever-increasing population pressure on cities in Uttarakhand, the government will now find it easier to establish new cities. Following the model of Gujarat and Maharashtra, new cities can be developed here on a zero-budget basis. For this, the Dhami cabinet approved the Uttarakhand Town Planning Scheme (Implementation) Rules 2025 on Wednesday.
States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have achieved success in urbanization by adopting the Town Planning Scheme (TPS). In Gujarat, 90-95 percent of the urban land in Ahmedabad and Surat has been developed under this scheme. TPS urbanization has provided significant support to the manufacturing, construction, and real estate sectors, which contribute more than 35 percent to the GSDP. In Maharashtra, the Naina and Pune Metropolitan Regions have also been developed under this scheme. Rajasthan and Karnataka are also implementing this scheme for controlled urban expansion. In Maharashtra, the TPS model has generated formal employment in the real estate and construction sectors.
No Forced Land Acquisition
Under this scheme, roads, drainage, electricity, parks, and social amenities will be developed in an integrated manner, without forced land acquisition. The government will be able to develop planned cities and satellite towns at a low cost. This is a zero-budget model, which will not place a direct financial burden on the state government. Land for public use can be acquired equitably. Roads, water, electricity, sewerage, and social amenities will be provided. The cost will be recovered through betterment charges. It will be a voluntary and participatory model, involving public hearings and stakeholder participation. Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram stated that disputes related to land acquisition will be reduced. Urban land will be available for housing, business, and industry.
Rules for Townships under TPS:
First Stage: The development authority or landowners will identify the TPS area. The intention to prepare the TPS will be declared. A Town Planning Officer will be appointed. Public suggestions will be invited. A draft TPS will be prepared.
Second Stage: The draft TPS will be published, and objections and suggestions will be invited. The draft TPS will be approved by the authority. The Town Planning Officer will prepare the physical and financial Town Planning Scheme (TPS). Final approval will be obtained from the High-Powered Committee. The notification of the final physical and financial TPS will be published.
Final Stage: Letters of Award and Certificates of Ownership will be issued to the landowners. Possession of the reconstituted plots will be handed over. The conveyance deed will be issued and sent to the Revenue Department and the municipal body for updating the land records. The final TPS will be implemented.
