The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has received approval to integrate 77 villages near the Delhi-Meerut and Eastern Peripheral Expressways. This significant move aims to facilitate planned development in the region and address the unregulated growth of these villages. The integration process will commence once ratified by the Uttar Pradesh government.
- GDA board approved the assimilation of 77 villages for organized development.
- Integration pending ratification from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Expansion of GDA Jurisdiction
In a pivotal decision, the GDA board convened in Meerut and sanctioned the proposal to incorporate 77 revenue villages into its jurisdiction. These villages are strategically located along the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) and the Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), with some located in Baghpat’s Kekhra tehsil and others in Loni and Modinagar. The board’s approval will enable the GDA to plan and manage these areas, which have experienced rapid and unregulated growth due to their proximity to these expressways. GDA Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh indicated that the assimilation will allow for structured urban planning, which is critical for sustainable development in the region. The move aligns with the NCR Planning Board’s recommendations, which had previously suggested integrating 32 villages along the EPE and 29 along the DME, all situated within 500 meters of the expressways.
Financial Implications and Future Prospects
The GDA board also approved a budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, proposing an expenditure of Rs 2,132.23 crore with an expected revenue of Rs 2,623.4 crore. This financial strategy underscores the authority’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and services in the newly integrated areas. In the previous fiscal year, the GDA generated a revenue of Rs 1,599.6 crore, while it spent Rs 915.7 crore. Furthermore, the board extended a decision to freeze the prices of 1,531 GDA properties, valued at Rs 534.1 crore, until March 31, 2026. This price freeze is part of GDA’s strategy to attract potential buyers amid rising real estate prices in the region. Additionally, the GDA has approved the relocation of 373 plots in the Madhuban Bapudham residential project, which were originally sold as park-facing land but now face a crematorium. This decision comes as part of the GDA’s responsiveness to public grievances and its commitment to maintaining residential quality. The GDA has also navigated complex legal challenges regarding land acquisition, ensuring that its operations remain compliant with legal standards while protecting the interests of farmers from whom the land was acquired.
Long-Term Impact on Ghaziabad’s Development
The integration of these villages into the GDA’s jurisdiction is expected to have a profound impact on the region’s urban development. This strategic move will not only facilitate planned growth but also enhance the quality of life for residents by ensuring better infrastructure, services, and amenities. With the GDA’s enhanced authority, the region can expect improved urban planning that addresses the needs of its growing population. Furthermore, the financial strategies outlined in the budget indicate a proactive approach to fiscal management, which is crucial for sustainable development in the long run.
