Urban Development Colonizer Act to Be Implemented in Panchayat Areas

Rapid development is taking place in rural areas adjoining cities in Madhya Pradesh. In view of this expansion, the Urban Development Colonizer Act will now also be implemented in panchayat areas located near urban limits. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has issued instructions in this regard, following which the Urban Development and Housing Department has begun preparations.

Urbanization in the state is progressing at a fast pace. Due to the high cost of plots within cities, large numbers of new residential colonies are being developed in nearby panchayat areas. At present, colonizers are able to obtain approvals more easily in rural jurisdictions.

In many cases, colonizers develop colonies and leave without creating essential infrastructure. Panchayats often fail to monitor these developments effectively. When such colonies are later included within urban local bodies, serious development-related issues emerge.

Keeping these challenges in mind, the state government has decided that the provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Department’s Colonizer Act will also be enforced in panchayats adjoining urban areas. For this purpose, rules will be amended after consultations with officials from the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.

Colonies Expanding Rapidly Around Major Cities

Residential colonies are rapidly developing on the outskirts of major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Ujjain, and other urban centers in the state. Since these areas fall under rural jurisdiction, approvals are easier to obtain and regulatory oversight remains limited.

While colonizers develop housing plots, essential infrastructure such as roads, drainage, water supply, and open spaces is often not developed as per norms. Mandatory open land is also not left for public facilities.

Increased Pressure on Urban Local Bodies

Although shelter fees are deposited with the district panchayats, these funds are not always utilized for development in the same areas. When such regions are later merged into urban local bodies, residents demand development facilities similar to other urban areas.

This places additional financial and administrative pressure on municipal bodies, which often lack sufficient resources to carry out the required works. Recognizing this issue, the Chief Minister has directed that rules be framed in a way that prevents the formation of illegal colonies and ensures development in already established areas.