Greater Noida: The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) announced on Tuesday that it will create and safeguard a buffer zone extending 5 kilometers on both sides of the Yamuna Expressway, where “unplanned” development will be strictly prohibited.

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However, outside this buffer zone, the authority plans to allow farmers to establish agri-based businesses and extend other benefits as part of efforts to support those whose land lies beyond the restricted area. Yeida is expected to discuss and possibly approve the proposal during its board meeting on June 18, officials said.

“We’ve prepared a proposal so that we can empower the farmers, whose land falls outside the 5km radius of the buffer zone that we have decided to make, and protect the same for the planned development. Outside the 5km zone, on both sides of the Yamuna Expressway, we are proposing to allow farmers to build petrol pumps, hotels, dhaba, resorts or set up agri-based industrial units for their families. But this proposal will be put forth in the upcoming board meeting, discussed and then finalised,” said Yeida chief executive officer (CEO) Arun Vir Singh, according to HT report. 

According to the Uttar Pradesh Industrial Act, 1976, industrial bodies like Yeida permit business activities only on plots officially allotted by the authority to an allottee. For example, if a developer or industrialist wants to construct a building for residential or industrial use, they must first purchase the land from the industrial body. After that, they are required to obtain building map approval and adhere to town planning regulations. However, if a farmer owns ancestral land within the authority's notified area, earmarked for planned development, the industrial body does not approve building plans or permit business operations on such land.

If Yeida approves the new proposal, farmers will be allowed to use their agricultural land for limited commercial purposes. However, officials clarified that this flexibility will apply only to land located outside the designated “buffer zone.”

The authority cannot permit such activities within the buffer zone, as it aims to ensure only planned development in that area, officials added. Land use within the buffer zone will be defined by the authority, which will then allot plots specifically for designated purposes such as hotels, petrol pumps, or other commercial units.

Yeida is introducing this new scheme in the districts of Mathura, Agra, Aligarh, and Hathras, which fall under its jurisdiction. The authority has notified approximately 250,000 hectares of land between Greater Noida and Agra for planned development.

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“We welcome the new proposal. If approved, it will benefit the farmers, who are not left with many choices of employment or doing business once their land is taken away for development,” said Basant Tyagi, a farmer leader in Rabupura village along Yamuna Expressway.