JDA Jaipur Development Authority

Unavailability of Land & Poor Financial Management by Congress Government put a damper on JDA schemes. With fund and land on disposal now, Ninder Housing Project is all set to go.

JDA Jaipur Development Authority

The ever-controversial Ninder Project was proposed by JDA (Jaipur Development Authority) in 2010 to harness the urbanisation potential of Rajasthan for speeding up its global progress. The aim was to discover sustainable, safe and progressive ways of accommodating tourists, migrants and urban population as it doubles over next few decades. Unfortunately, the project got into some serious predicaments with private land owners protesting against mass occupancy of land. After battling for 6 years straight, Thursday came as a breathe of relief for government officials. JDA acquired an important piece of land in zone 12. With this achievement, the board is set to transfer their project on land.

Ninder Housing Project : A Battleground For JDA & Private Land Owners

To implement new housing schemes in major metropolises, RHB (Rajasthan Housing Board) require approximately 1,300 bigah land near Sikar Road to set up their mega scheme. Ninder project was the second biggest project after Prithiviraj Nagar.

10,000 houses would be set up under this project, at a distance of 20kms from Ajmeri Gate. The allotted land would be shared between LIGs (Lower Income Groups), EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) and the middle class group. A fraction of it would go to the higher classes. All in all, it was a great project considering urban development and connectivity, as per JDA.

Unfortunately, land acquisition plagued the development process. When cash-strapped authorities turned to private land owners for support, they were reluctant to hand over their lands, especially farmers, as it was a major source of income for the lot. And this is how the battle for land commenced.

Over the years, priests and people protested against JDA, personifying it as the modern-age ‘Ravana’ and burring down its effigies in public protests. With government interference and public support the consistent struggle of the board finally ended with the arrival of new government in 2013.

Major Obstructions in Development of JDA Projects

In 2010, when JDA announced the scheme, they were able to acquire 110 bigah land from temple mafias.

Between 2010-2012, Rajasthan government supplied an additional 200 bigah land. Getting remaining 900 bigahs was a major issue for the authorities.

The pending land acquisition issues on Ring Road project between the farmers and the state took a serious turn when they resorted to violence. Moreover, the process of compensation has stalled due to financial crises under Congress rule.

Things Sped Up After 2013 with Change in Government Policies

Change in government did the trick and the process sped up 2013 onwards. The authorities appeased public and took possession of 160 bigahs. The share was surrendered by farmers in return for compensation. JDA had then issued allotment letters to land owners.

State negotiation committee achieved success in resolving pending issues. Cash compensation was allotted to land owners. Those who did not want cash were allotted 25% ownership in developed area. Farmers have surrendered 300 bigahs and remaining 120 bigahs will be acquired in the second phase.

With proper funding and land at disposal, JDA is ready to work on their impeding housing project. Few years down the lane, we’re going to witness two mega townships appearing in Jaipur and Jodhpur, transforming the face of urban Rajasthan.

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