The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has cleared the final land hurdle for the proposed Film City in Greater Noida's Sector-21 after reaching an agreement with a farmer. This development paves the way for the project's foundation stone laying ceremony.
The issue centered on approximately 150 acres of land belonging to a farmer, which fell within the 1,000-acre Film City project area. The farmer was demanding an industrial plot in exchange for the land. Although former CEO Dr. Arunveer Singh had given written consent for this, authority regulations presented an obstacle. According to YEIDA's rules, industrial plots can only be allotted through auction and interview; specifically, plots up to 8,000 square metres are allotted via e-auction.
The authority requested the government to consider the matter. After receiving approval from the government, the farmer has submitted their project report to YEIDA for setting up an industrial unit, and the authority is expected to allot the industrial plot soon.
With this obstacle removed, the Bhutani Group plans to hold the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Film City concurrently with that of the Noida International Airport. The airport's foundation stone is likely to be laid on October 30, which will also mark the beginning of work on the Film City's first phase.
YEIDA had already approved the map for the first phase in June. This phase will be developed on 230 acres, for which a 90-year licence has been granted to Bayview Bhutani Film City Pvt. Ltd., a joint company of film producer-director Boney Kapoor and the Bhutani Group. The first phase will involve the development of studios, institutes, and other facilities for film production, at an estimated cost of around Rs 1,000 crore.