Integrated Township Development in Madhya Pradesh: Open for All
Madhya Pradesh is set to develop integrated townships. Farmers, farmer groups, or private individuals can acquire land around cities through land pooling to develop townships. Developers must allocate 15% of the land for economically weaker sections (EWS) and low-income group (LIG) housing. Separate grants are available for affordable housing. Registration with urban and rural investment authorities is required, and exemptions from restrictions like green belts are allowed. Up to 8 hectares of government land can be provided in the middle of the project.
Rules Notified and Implemented
The Urban Development and Housing Department has notified and implemented the rules. To manage increasing urbanization and unplanned growth, the government will now promote integrated townships. The rules apply to development authorities and other housing agencies.
Open to All Developers
Earlier, township development was limited to colonizers, but now any individual or group of farmers can develop townships. Colonizer Act provisions will apply. Developers must provide basic amenities such as water, electricity, roads, and drainage.
Acquisition of Private Land
If land is insufficient, government land up to 8 hectares can be provided. Private land in between can be acquired with mutual consent between the developer and the government.
Phased Development
Township development will occur in a maximum of three phases. Each phase has a three-year timeline, and the next phase can begin only when at least 50% of the previous phase is completed. Registration fees are required for each phase.
Minimum Land Requirements
For cities with a population below 5 lakh, minimum 10 hectares of land is required, and for cities above 5 lakh, minimum 20 hectares. Road width should be at least 24 meters, and for townships of 40 hectares or more, minimum 30 meters.
Approval Committees
Township development for cities with populations above 5 lakh requires state-level approval. A competent committee chaired by the Principal Secretary of Urban Development & Housing will oversee approvals, and for smaller projects, the District Collector will head the committee. Permissions will be granted within 60 days of application.
Exclusions
Rules do not apply to forests, rivers, water bodies, dams, notified national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, defense land, cantonments, eco-sensitive zones, mining areas, SEZs, wildlife corridors, heritage sites, railway land, or government-prohibited areas.
Financial Eligibility of Developers
Developers must meet minimum net worth and average annual turnover based on the project size:
- 10-20 hectares: Net worth ₹5 crore, turnover ₹6 crore
- 20-40 hectares: Net worth ₹10 crore, turnover ₹12 crore
- 40-100 hectares: Net worth ₹20 crore, turnover ₹20 crore
- 100-300 hectares: Net worth ₹50 crore, turnover ₹40 crore
- 300+ hectares: Net worth ₹250 crore, turnover ₹200 crore