Dholera Land Acquisition Process

Dholera Land Acquisition Process – Singla Developers, one of India’s leading real estate companies, has been actively developing the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR). As part of its plans for the region, the company has been involved in the land acquisition process in Dholera, which is crucial for developing the region as an industrial and economic hub. The company has been working closely with the local government authorities and landowners to ensure a transparent and efficient land acquisition process while also considering the concerns and welfare of the affected communities. In this article, we will explore Singla Developers’ approach to the Dholera Land Acquisition Process and its plans for the region’s development.

Importance of land acquisition for Dholera

The importance of land acquisition for Dholera can be explained in the following ways:

1. Development of a Special Investment Region (SIR): Dholera is being developed as a Special Investment Region, which aims to attract domestic and foreign investment. Also, to achieve this, a large land area is required to develop various infrastructure facilities, including industrial parks, airports, seaports, highways, and residential areas.
2. Employment generation: The development of Dholera as a SIR is expected to generate employment opportunities for the local population. Also, the project is estimated to create around 8 lakh jobs in various sectors, including manufacturing, services, and agriculture.
3. Economic growth: The development of Dholera is expected to boost economic growth in the region. Also, the project aims to attract investment worth around INR 3 lakh crore and generate an annual GDP of INR 1.5 lakh crore. 
4. Infrastructure development: The land acquisition process is essential to develop various infrastructure facilities required for the project, such as roads, water supply, electricity, and sewage treatment plants. Also, these facilities are necessary to attract investment and promote economic growth in the region.
5. Strategic location: Dholera is strategically located between two major cities, Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar, and is well connected through various modes of transport, including rail, road, and air. Also, the development of Dholera is expected to boost the entire region’s economic growth.

Legal Framework for Dholera Land Acquisition Process

The legal framework for land acquisition in Dholera is governed by the Land Acquisition Act 2013, which replaced the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. Also, the Act provides a legal framework for acquiring land for public purposes or developing infrastructure facilities by the government or private entities.

The key provisions of the Land Acquisition Act 2013 concerning land acquisition in Dholera are as follows:

• Public Purpose: Land acquisition must be for a public purpose, such as building infrastructure, including airports, seaports, industrial parks, residential areas, or other public amenities.
• Social Impact Assessment (SIA): Before initiating the land acquisition process, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study is conducted to determine the social impact of the acquisition on the affected communities.
• Consent of landowners: In case of acquisition by a private entity, the consent of 80% of landowners is required before initiating the acquisition process.
• Compensation: The Act requires the payment of compensation to landowners, which should be four times the market value of the land in rural areas and two times the market value in urban areas.
• Rehabilitation and Resettlement: The Act also provides for the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons and payment of additional compensation.
• Dispute resolution: The Act provides dispute resolution mechanisms, including Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, Resettlement Authority, and the Land Acquisition Ombudsman.

Notification of land acquisition in Dholera:

The land acquisition process in Dholera begins with the notification of the acquisition by the concerned government authority. Also, the notification is published in local newspapers, and affected landowners are informed of the investment through registered posts. The notification contains the following details:

1. Purpose of acquisition: The notification specifies the purpose of the acquisition, which could be for public infrastructure, such as airports, seaports, industrial parks, or residential areas.
2. Location of land: The notification specifies the location of the land proposed and the area to be acquired.
3. Public hearing: The notification also mentions the date and time of the public hearing in the affected villages or towns to discuss the proposed acquisition with the affected communities.
4. Timeframe for objections: The notification specifies the time frame within which objections or suggestions regarding the acquisition can be filed.
5. Compensation: The notification also mentions the compensation to be paid to the landowners, which is determined based on the market value of the land, as well as other factors such as the value of standing crops, trees, and other structures on the land.
6. Rehabilitation and Resettlement: The notification also details the rehabilitation and resettlement measures that will be taken for the affected communities.
7. Contact details: The notification provides contact details of the concerned government authority for any queries or objections.

Role of government agencies in the Dholera Land Acquisition Process:

Several government agencies play a crucial role in the land acquisition process in Dholera. Some of the key agencies are:

Dholera Industrial City Development Limited (DICDL): DICDL is a special-purpose vehicle formed to develop Dholera as a SIR. Also, The agency plays a vital role in land acquisition by identifying land parcels, conducting feasibility studies, and negotiating with landowners.

District Collector: The District Collector is responsible for issuing notifications for land acquisition, conducting public hearings, and compensating the affected landowners.

State government: The State government is responsible for providing policy guidance and allocating funds for land acquisition and infrastructure development in Dholera.

National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL): NHSRCL is responsible for acquiring land required for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project, which passes through Dholera.

Conclusion and future implications of land acquisition in Dholera:

The land acquisition process in Dholera is crucial for developing the region as a SIR. AlsoThe project aims to attract investment, promote economic growth, and generate employment opportunities for the local population. However, the land acquisition process has been a subject of controversy and protests, with some landowners alleging that they have not received adequate compensation.

The successful implementation of the land acquisition process will depend on the effective implementation of the rehabilitation and resettlement measures for the affected communities. Also, the government must ensure that the land acquisition process is transparent and that the affected communities adequately compensate and rehabilitated.

In the long run, the development of Dholera as a SIR is expected to significantly impact the region’s economic growth. The project will create employment opportunities, promote industrial growth, and improve the infrastructure facilities in the region. It will also strengthen the connectivity between major regional cities and promote regional integration.