LAND GRAB
Unauthorised Encroachments Threaten YEIDA's Rs 1,040-Crore Logistics Park in Tappal-Bajna
Aligarh, January 17, 2025: The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has urged the Aligarh administration to halt land registries and curb unauthorized constructions in the Tappal-Bajna area, earmarked for a logistics park and industrial projects. The step follows widespread encroachments reported within the notified area, threatening the success of the multi-modal logistics park scheme worth Rs 1,040 crore.
| Park footprint | 364 acres within the Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre — a 27,438-acre industrial and residential township near the Noida International Airport |
|---|---|
| Project cost | Rs 1,040 crore, to be developed in three phases with the first phase covering 205 acres, including 154 acres dedicated to logistics operations |
| Land to be acquired | 1,900 hectares of land in Tappal village; 736 hectares notification issued in 2023; social impact assessment (SIA) currently underway |
| Illegal plot prices | Residential plots sold between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 per square meter; commercial plots along the Yamuna Expressway fetching higher rates |
| Encroachments scale | Unauthorized colonies across 90 villages in the area, flagged by YEIDA CEO Arun Vir Singh in December |
| YEIDA's response | Requested Aligarh administration to impose a ban on residential plot registrations in the notified region |
| Anti-encroachment action | OSD Shailendra Singh announced plans for anti-encroachment drive aimed at removing illegal constructions, involving collaboration with local authorities |
| Survey findings | Unauthorized plotting and the presence of makeshift roads and boundary markers revealed in areas designated for industrial development |
What Triggered the Alert
In December, YEIDA's CEO, Arun Vir Singh, raised concerns about the rapid emergence of unauthorized colonies across 90 villages in the area. Following this, the Aligarh District Magistrate was urged to appoint a competent authority to survey the land.
Despite YEIDA's land acquisition notices to colonizers, plots continue to be sold to buyers from Delhi-NCR, with residential plots priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 per square meter, and commercial plots along the Yamuna Expressway fetching higher rates.
The Logistics Park Project
The logistics park is part of YEIDA's Master Plan 2031 (Phase II) and is set to occupy 364 acres within the Tappal-Bajna Urban Centre. This project aims to address the rising cargo demands of the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas, particularly with the nearby Noida International Airport. The park, which is estimated to cost around INR 1,040 crore, will be developed in three phases, with the first phase covering 205 acres, including 154 acres dedicated to logistics operations.
The Problem: Registrations Lock In Illegal Residents
The area has seen a surge in residential plot registrations. Reports indicate that land is being sold under the residential category, making it difficult for YEIDA to evict plot owners in the future. Officials have expressed concern over residential registrations in the area, which could make evictions challenging and jeopardize the Rs 1,040-crore project.
YEIDA's Countermeasures
In response to these encroachments, the Authority has requested the Aligarh administration to halt all land registrations and stop unauthorized constructions in the region.
OSD Shailendra Singh announced plans for an anti-encroachment drive aimed at removing illegal constructions. The drive will involve collaboration with local authorities to ensure compliance with YEIDA's regulations and protect the integrity of the logistics park project.
What's Next
As the Tappal-Bajna area prepares for significant industrial development, the cooperation between YEIDA and the Aligarh administration will be crucial. The authority continues social impact assessment on 736 hectares already notified, with plans to acquire a total of 1,900 hectares in Tappal village for the logistics park and supporting projects.
Development phases
Frequently asked questions
Why are unauthorized plot sales so damaging to this project?
Land sold under the residential category makes it difficult for YEIDA to evict plot owners in the future, creating legal complications for future industrial use.
How many villages are affected by unauthorized encroachments?
YEIDA's CEO Arun Vir Singh raised concerns about unauthorized colonies across 90 villages in the area.
What land has YEIDA already notified for acquisition?
In 2023, YEIDA issued a notification to acquire 736 hectares and is currently conducting a social impact assessment (SIA).
What is the total land acquisition plan for Tappal-Bajna?
YEIDA plans to acquire 1,900 hectares of land in Tappal village for the logistics park and other projects.
Who authorized the anti-encroachment drive?
OSD Shailendra Singh announced plans for an anti-encroachment drive aimed at removing illegal constructions.
When was the survey of the affected area completed?
SDM Khair conducted a survey in January 2024, revealing unauthorized plotting, unpaved roads, and makeshift boundary walls in areas under YEIDA's jurisdiction.