In a significant policy revision aimed at enhancing liveability, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has decided to increase the minimum plot size for its housing scheme targeting the informal sector and lower-income groups. The new minimum size will be 40 square meters, up from the previously proposed 30 square meters.
Survey Drives Shift Towards Viable Housing
The decision follows an internal survey that assessed the feasibility of the earlier proposal, which had received an in-principle approval from the board in June. Officials concluded that 30 sqm plots were unviable when measured against prevailing building norms and construction practices in the region. The survey found that smaller plots would restrict safe vertical expansion and compromise functional home layouts.
In contrast, a 40 sqm plot is expected to allow for more efficient building design, better structural stability, and improved comfort for residents. This shift also brings YEIDA's standards in line with those of other development authorities, such as the Ghaziabad Development Authority.
Income Eligibility Cap Proposed for a Major Hike
Alongside the plot size revision, YEIDA has proposed a substantial increase in the annual income ceiling for eligibility. The cap is set to be raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 8 lakh. According to officials, the previous Rs 3 lakh threshold excluded a large segment of potential beneficiaries.
This group includes workers employed in the upcoming industrial clusters along the Yamuna Expressway and those in allied activities at manufacturing and logistics hubs. Many of these individuals, while falling outside formal employment structures, earn more than Rs 3 lakh annually. The revised Rs 8 lakh benchmark aligns with criteria used for economically weaker sections (EWS) in other schemes.
Distribution of Plots and Broader Context
Under the revised configuration, the scheme will offer a total of over 3,800 residential plots across three sectors in Noida:
- 2,880 plots in Sector 18
- 455 plots in Sector 17
- 463 plots in Sector 20
This initiative is a separately carved-out component of YEIDA's broader residential plot allotment drive. In June, the board was informed that the authority had already allotted approximately 28,900 plots, ranging from 60 sqm to 4,000 sqm, across Sectors 16, 17, 18, 20, and 22D.
The original plan for the informal sector scheme involved developing 4,288 smaller plots across Sectors 17, 18, and 20. The current revision to a larger plot size will adjust these numbers, aiming for a more realistic and sustainable outcome.
YEIDA officials describe this policy shift as a conscious move towards pragmatic planning. "The idea is not just to maximise numbers but to ensure that allottees can actually build safe, usable homes that meet basic living standards," stated Shailendra Bhatia, Additional CEO of YEIDA.
The detailed scheme, encompassing final eligibility criteria, pricing, and application timelines, is expected to be presented to the board for final approval once the consultant submits the updated proposal.
