The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) and Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation (GMC) have reached a significant agreement to formalize the transfer of five residential colonies, marking a crucial step in addressing long-standing municipal management issues in the region. This development follows the protracted handover of Indirapuram, which took over a decade to complete, and represents the first seamless transfer agreement between the two authorities.
Colonies Included in the Transfer Agreement
The colonies that will be partially or fully handed over by GDA to GMC include Swarn Jyantipuram, B Block in Karpuri Puram, Bhaurao Devrash Colony, KB Block in Pratap Vihar, CP Block in Govindpuram, and a section of Raj Nagar Extension that runs through Pusta Road. Additionally, a 56 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) located in Madhuban Bapudham will also be transferred to municipal control.
Financial Commitment for Infrastructure Development
As part of this landmark agreement, GDA has committed to providing GMC with a substantial sum of Rs 66 crore specifically earmarked for completing pending development work in these colonies. A GDA official confirmed the payment schedule, stating, "By February, the first installment of Rs 33 crore will be made available, and by March this year, the second installment of an equal amount will be transferred."
A GMC official elaborated on how these funds will be utilized, explaining, "The amount will be used for strengthening water, road, and sewer infrastructure. A detailed survey was conducted, and very soon the colonies will be taken over by GMC, including the 56 MLD capacity STP in Madhuban Bapudham."
Historical Context of Delayed Transfers
This agreement addresses a persistent problem in Ghaziabad where six townships developed by GDA have been awaiting transfer to municipal authority for more than two decades. These include Madhuban Bapudham, Indraprastha, Swarn Jyantipuram, Koyal Enclave, Indra Kunj, and Tulsi Niketan. The handover of townships developed by private developers, including Raj Nagar Extension, Wave City, and Crossings Republik, also remains pending.
Swarn Jyantipuram, launched by GDA in 1998, stands as one of the oldest housing schemes in Ghaziabad awaiting transfer to the municipal corporation. Despite being developed over two decades ago, the township's handover has been repeatedly delayed due to prolonged litigation and persistent disagreements between the two agencies.
Broader Implications for Municipal Governance
The handover of developed townships to municipal authorities represents a persistent challenge across Uttar Pradesh. Although existing rules mandate that municipalities should assume maintenance responsibilities after development completion, this process frequently faces obstacles. These delays typically stem from incomplete construction work, reluctance from private developers to relinquish control, and bureaucratic formalities between different government bodies.
In response to these systemic issues, the state government is now taking steps to standardize the property handover process. Officials recently convened a meeting with representatives from key cities including Ghaziabad, Kanpur, and Lucknow to draft a standardized procedure for managing these recurring challenges.
This agreement between GDA and GMC not only addresses specific infrastructure needs in Ghaziabad but also potentially establishes a precedent for smoother municipal transitions throughout the state, ensuring better civic amenities for residents through more efficient governance mechanisms.
