Land pooling policy nod unlocks Haryana’s mega urban expansion plan

Chandigarh: Clearing a key hurdle to large-scale urban expansion, the Haryana govt has approved major changes to its land pooling policy, setting the stage for development across 1.67 lakh acres of land. The move unlocks plans for new residential, institutional, industrial and commercial hubs across the state, with govt agencies set to offer plots at competitive rates amid growing land scarcity for public projects.Land availability has emerged as a major bottleneck for several government schemes. Addressing this, the revised policy was approved at a meeting of officers from multiple departments held on Wednesday. With the clearance, the state has formally rolled out its ambitious plan to develop 69 sectors and urban estates across existing and new growth areas.The first phase has already begun, with the govt initiating the acquisition of about 40,000 acres across 13 districts. The revenue and disaster management department is coordinating the process, which involves farmers from 104 villages. Key cities covered in this phase include Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, Hisar, Panipat, Sirsa and Yamunanagar.As per tentative plans, the focus areas include Gurugram sectors 76–80, 82A–86 and 99A–104, along with the Pataudi–Farukhnagar belt. Near Chandigarh, development is planned in Pinjore–Kalka, Panchkula Extension and Raipur Rani. In Ambala cantonment areas, seven new sectors — 27, 28, 36, 40, 40A, 41A and 42 — are proposed, sources said.The mode of allotment and timelines for specific schemes will be finalised later, officials said, especially in areas where private colonisers have already developed residential colonies.The broader expansion blueprint places strong emphasis on modern amenities. Revised building codes mandate facilities such as electric vehicle charging points in every sector or zone. Each development will also be equipped with basic infrastructure including electricity, water supply, sewerage and smart roads built to contemporary standards.Urban local bodies minister Vipul Goel said the expansion plan would significantly boost employment and investment opportunities across Haryana.Officials said environmental concerns have been factored into the planning, with green belts and parks to be developed within each sector. Enhanced connectivity and modern infrastructure are also planned to promote industrial model townships.The initiative aligns with the state govt's earlier announcement to promote cluster-based cities for industrial and business development, with large-scale urbanisation being planned accordingly.