Ghaziabad revises Madhuban housing scheme layout for farmers

The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) is changing the layout of the Madhuban Bapudham housing scheme. This decision will help provide developed residential plots to farmers and new plots to 373 allottees. These allottees were originally given plots next to two cremation grounds. The housing scheme, which covers about 1,234 acres near Delhi-Meerut Road, was started in 2004. GDA officials noted that the original layout for one area, Pocket E, was approved in 2014. However, many residents and allottees asked for the cremation grounds to be moved because they were too close to their plots. As a result, some allottees even canceled their plots and received refunds. Rudhresh Shukla, the GDA's media coordinator, said that those who registered for new plots in different locations had agreed to the change. The land in Pocket E will now be used for commercial activities. RK Sharma, president of the Madhuban Bapudham Welfare Society, expressed relief over the decision to re-allocate plots. In addition to addressing the cremation ground issue, the GDA is also working to provide developed residential plots to farmers who had given up their land for the housing project. The first group of farmers contributed 800 acres, while the second group gave 281 acres. A Supreme Court ruling in 2016 is also guiding how these farmers will be compensated. The GDA plans to allocate about 647 plots to the first group of farmers and around 331 plots to the second group. Atul Vats, the GDA vice-chairperson, confirmed that the layout changes have been approved and work will begin to provide new plots for all affected parties.