Patna, Aug 24: The Bihar government will directly engage with farmers and landowners to secure land for 12 proposed satellite townships, offering them four options ranging from land pooling to purchase and acquisition, amid protests in some areas over the proposed land allocation.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, teams from the Urban Development and Housing Department will visit farmers and tenant farmers to explain the land-allocation process, available options and benefits in detail.
The government’s primary preference will be land pooling with the consent of farmers, officials said, with purchase or acquisition to be considered where land is required for essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage, parks, schools and colleges.
Under the land-pooling model, farmers will voluntarily contribute their land for township development. After infrastructure is created, 55 per cent of the developed land will be returned to the original landowners, though the reconstituted plot may be located elsewhere within the township.
The government will also offer a second option of purchasing land from farmers. If a landowner does not agree to sell land required for public facilities, it may subsequently be acquired under existing rules and procedures.
The third option involves reaching a mutual agreement with landowners, with additional incentives such as higher Floor Area Ratio (FAR), Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and exemptions from development fees.
If none of these arrangements meet the land requirements, the government may adopt a hybrid model, combining land pooling, mutual consent, purchase and acquisition depending on the circumstances.
The move comes against the backdrop of opposition from some farmers and landowners over land allocation for the proposed satellite townships.
The government said its approach is aimed at ensuring greater consultation and flexibility rather than depending on a single method of land acquisition.
“The government’s primary goal is to secure as much land for townships as possible through farmer consent and land pooling,” it said.
The boundaries of the proposed Pataliputra Township have already been finalised, while its draft plan has been released. The township is proposed to be developed across 30 sectors.
A study is currently underway to assess the social and economic impact of Pataliputra Township. The land-allocation process will proceed after the assessment is completed.
Under the direct-consultation exercise, officials will explain the benefits of each option and how the process will work, with the government initially seeking to meet its requirements through land pooling.
The government said it would “engage directly with landowners” and ensure that farmers understand the available choices before the process moves forward.
Officials said the four-option approach is intended to balance the land requirements of planned urban development with the interests of farmers and landowners.
