Critical appraisal of Delhi land pooling policy

Abstract

Land is required in all the development projects and its procurement in a systematic way is very much important. Land acquisition was the primary method used by development agencies to assemble land for development. Issues associated with acquisition have forced government agencies to look for alternative ways. Land readjustment or land pooling has emerged as an alternative mechanism for land procurement. The concept is quite new and is presently being done regionally. No alternative mechanism can be applied evenly or accepted by all stakeholders. The success of each strategy is influenced by the political economy, historic evolution and sociocultural context in which it applied. Different Land Pooling Scheme developed in some Indian states taking ideas from Gujarat‘s Town Planning Scheme. The study focuses on critical analysis of models and strategies adopted under different land pooling policies as per dynamic need of the city or state. Delhi land pooling policy was formulated to accommodate the new growth in the capital. This study addresses the current wave of urbanization in the rural periphery of Delhi and understands the implication of the new policy on the urban villages. It is significant to understand the existing land policy and its implication on the growth of the city. On analysis, it was observed that the landowners in different zones showed varied willingness to pool their land. Overall, the zones showed low willingness and it is important to understand the factors responsible for the varied responses. This thesis focuses on the critical appraisal of the Delhi land pooling policy. The study aims to enhance the implementation process and willingness under the Delhi land pooling mechanism. The land policy is in its initial phase. For the success of the policy, it is important to look into the implementation phase and pace of the policy by identifying factors that influence land owners' participation. The thesis would propose suggestions in the existing policy to improve the participation of landowners and make it more attractive. The thesis will bridge the gap between stakeholders and enhance the implementation process and the willingness towards the policy.