Lucknow Housing Authorities Granted Power To Convert Agricultural Land For Large Townships
The Uttar Pradesh government has empowered Lucknow’s housing development authorities to convert agricultural land into large residential townships, streamlining urban expansion across the region. Boards can now approve land-use changes for projects spanning 50 acres or more without seeking separate government clearance, even if the master plan designates the area as agricultural. The reform aims to accelerate township construction under the Chief Minister’s urban expansion policy, providing both authorities and private developers greater flexibility to meet growing housing demand.
The new framework covers 20 key cities across Uttar Pradesh, including Gorakhpur, Aligarh, Agra, Bareilly, Jhansi, Ayodhya, Meerut, Varanasi, Moradabad, Kanpur, Saharanpur, Mathura, Firozabad, Lucknow, Bulandshahr, Banda, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Baghpat, and Rampur. These urban centres have been prioritised for development due to their strategic economic and demographic importance. “Decentralising land-use approval powers allows authorities to respond more efficiently to urban housing needs while supporting regional growth,” said a senior urban development analyst.Under the amendment, boards can reclassify agricultural land for residential purposes if the proposed township covers 50 acres or more. This applies even when the land’s current designation in the city master plan is agricultural. Private developers executing approved township projects under the Chief Minister’s policy receive the same flexibility, creating a more predictable environment for large-scale residential construction.
Urban planning experts caution that while the policy could boost housing supply and attract investment, it also requires careful oversight to avoid unchecked urban sprawl. “Rapid conversion of farmland must be balanced with sustainable planning, including green spaces, water management, and equitable housing,” noted a senior urban planner. Aligning new projects with long-term master plans is essential to ensure cities remain inclusive and environmentally responsible.The amendment also supports regulatory authorities operating under the Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion Scheme (Nagar Srijan Yojana) by providing flexibility to expand land banks for major housing projects. Observers say this could accelerate township development and improve the pace of infrastructure delivery, helping cities accommodate rising populations while integrating modern amenities.
By granting housing boards greater authority, Uttar Pradesh aims to foster planned urban growth that balances economic, social, and environmental priorities. If implemented with appropriate safeguards, these reforms could enable cities to grow in a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable manner, reflecting broader national goals of equitable urbanisation and low-carbon development.
