Noida Authority Demands Rs 10,000 Crore for Unused Unitech Land to Support Urban Growth
The Noida Authority has reiterated its demand for the reclamation of over 8.5 lakh square metres of unused land allotted to Unitech, worth an estimated Rs 10,000 crore. This move is part of an ongoing effort to recover dues amounting to over Rs 11,000 crore and to push forward crucial urban infrastructure projects that will benefit Noida’s residents.
In a meeting held on January 21, 2025, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Abhay Manohar Sapre, who serves as an advisor to the government-approved Unitech board, Noida Authority officials stressed that the money owed by Unitech represents public funds. These funds are essential for the development of Noida, with projects that promise to improve infrastructure and amenities for the city’s growing population. The dues are linked to land parcels leased to Unitech, where the company has yet to launch any projects. Originally, Noida Authority allocated over 18.5 lakh square metres of land to Unitech, but nearly half of it remains unused. The vacant plots are spread across various sectors in Noida, including Sectors 96, 97, 98, 113, 117, and 144.
Among these, the largest unused plot is in Sectors 96, 97, and 98, where 7.3 lakh square metres of land remain vacant. This parcel alone is valued at Rs 8,886 crore. Other vacant areas include Sector 113, with 36,000 square metres valued at Rs 351 crore, and Sector 117, with 35,000 square metres worth Rs 342 crore. Sector 144 contains smaller plots, valued at Rs 568 crore. These land parcels were allocated to Unitech for various development projects, but progress has been slow. In 2024, the Supreme Court issued a directive to Noida Authority, instructing them to approve all necessary permits for land where projects had already been launched or where homebuyers had been allocated properties. The court also divided the land into two categories: one where projects were underway and another where no development had occurred.
While the Noida Authority has granted approvals for over 10 lakh square metres of land, including layouts for sectors 96, 97, and 98, much of the remaining land is still under dispute. The court has ordered Noida Authority to grant all necessary approvals for the land in the first category by May 2024, but some unresolved issues, including disputes over land possession and ownership, have delayed progress. Unitech, for its part, has raised concerns over the shortfall of land possession in Sector 117 and disputes regarding land ownership in Sector 113. Despite these disputes, Noida Authority has been firm in its stance, highlighting that reclaiming the unused land is crucial for the city’s development. According to Lokesh M, the CEO of Noida Authority, “Recovering these dues is essential for Noida’s financial stability. The funds will help us continue with critical urban development projects, generating additional revenue and improving infrastructure for the benefit of residents.”
The reclamation of unused land would allow Noida Authority to reallocate these valuable plots for other urban initiatives, which could include residential, commercial, and public amenities. This would not only help recover the pending dues but also ensure that Noida continues its growth as a modern urban centre. The ongoing dispute between Noida Authority and Unitech is set to be revisited during a hearing scheduled for February 6, 2025. The resolution of these issues is crucial, as it will determine the future of several key urban development projects and the financial health of Noida’s urban infrastructure. Noida’s push to reclaim unused land from Unitech represents an important step towards ensuring the city’s continued growth. With the funds recovered from these unused parcels, Noida will be better positioned to complete essential projects, enhance urban infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents.
