Noida International Airport Development and Land Acquisition

The Noida International Airport project in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing air travel and industrial growth in the National Capital Region (NCR). The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has recently announced that over 42,000 landowners are entitled to compensation as part of the land acquisition for the airport’s third phase.

Project Overview

The Noida International Airport is a greenfield project designed to connect key cities like Agra and Mathura. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 26, 2021. The airport is anticipated to become Asia’s largest and the world’s fourth-largest, increasing air travel capacity in the NCR. It is expected to be operational by April 17, 2025.

Land Acquisition Phases

The land acquisition process has been divided into three phases. The first phase, completed from 2018 to 2021, involved acquiring 1,334 hectares at Rs 2,100 per square metre. The second phase, completed by 2024, involved 1,365 hectares at Rs 3,100 per square metre. The third phase aims to acquire 2,053 hectares, with compensation set at Rs 4,300 per square metre.

Compensation and Social Impact Assessment

YEIDA has been proactive in compensating landowners. In the first phase, 99.4% of landowners received compensation, while 93.8% were compensated in the second phase. The authority has also conducted a Social Impact Assessment to identify affected farmers and address their concerns.

Challenges in Land Acquisition

The land acquisition process has faced challenges, including protests from farmers demanding higher compensation. However, YEIDA has engaged with landowners to secure consent, even though it is not legally required for such projects. The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 mandates prior consent from at least 80% of affected families. Notably, there have been no legal disputes filed regarding this land acquisition.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an eight-month delay in the project timeline. Despite this setback, YEIDA remains optimistic about commencing flight operations as scheduled. The authority continues to work on ensuring that the project meets its deadlines while addressing the needs of the local community.

Future Prospects

Once operational, the Noida International Airport will facilitate around 30 flights daily, including domestic and international routes. It is expected to boost tourism and industrialisation in the region, making it a vital asset for economic development.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities and their livelihoods.
2. What are the key provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013? Explain its significance.
3. What is the role of public-private partnerships in the development of infrastructure projects? Illustrate with suitable examples.
4. Explain the challenges faced in land acquisition for major projects. How can these challenges be mitigated in future projects?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities and their livelihoods.

1. Large-scale projects often lead to displacement of communities, affecting their homes and livelihoods.
2. Infrastructure development can create job opportunities but may not benefit local residents if skilled labor is imported.
3. Compensation and rehabilitation efforts are crucial to mitigate negative impacts on affected communities.
4. Social impact assessments can help identify potential issues and address community concerns before project initiation.
5. Long-term economic benefits can include improved access to markets and services, enhancing local economies.

2. What are the key provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013? Explain its significance.

1. The Act mandates fair compensation for landowners based on market rates, ensuring adequate financial support.
2. It requires a Social Impact Assessment to evaluate the effects of land acquisition on local communities.
3. Prior consent from at least 80% of affected families is necessary for land acquisition, promoting transparency.
4. It provides for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families, addressing their social and economic needs.
5. The Act aims to balance development needs with the rights of affected individuals, encouraging equitable growth.

3. What is the role of public-private partnerships in the development of infrastructure projects? Illustrate with suitable examples.

1. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) leverage private sector efficiency and investment for public infrastructure development.
2. They enable risk-sharing between government and private entities, enhancing project viability and sustainability.
3. Examples include the Delhi Metro project, which improved urban transport through collaborative funding and management.
4. PPPs can accelerate project timelines and reduce the financial burden on public funds.
5. They encourage innovation by incorporating private sector expertise in project design and implementation.

4. Explain the challenges faced in land acquisition for major projects. How can these challenges be mitigated in future projects?

1. Challenges include protests from landowners demanding higher compensation and concerns over displacement.
2. Legal disputes can arise, delaying projects and increasing costs due to lack of consensus among stakeholders.
3. Effective communication and engagement with local communities can help build trust and secure consent.
4. Conducting thorough social impact assessments can identify potential issues early in the process.
5. Implementing transparent compensation policies and ensuring timely payments can alleviate grievances.