The NCR Draft Regional Plan 2041 has formally endorsed Haryana's long-pending proposal to construct five new greenfield cities along the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway. However, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh has raised a critical concern regarding water availability for these proposed settlements.
Water Source Question
During a recent meeting with civic agencies in Gurugram, Rao directed officials to identify a viable water source for the proposed new city before proceeding with further planning. This directive highlights a persistent issue in southern Haryana, where groundwater is critically over-exploited and existing cities like Gurugram already face water shortages.
Panchgram Development Plans
The NCR Draft Regional Plan 2041, set to be discussed at the NCRPB Board Meeting on June 16, designates the 135-km KMP corridor as the 'Golden Ring of Opportunity,' the highest-intensity development zone in the NCR. Haryana has proposed developing areas around the KMP Expressway as Panchgrams—five greenfield townships spanning 2.5 lakh hectares, with development extending 2 to 6 kilometers on both sides of the expressway. These townships would be governed by a dedicated Panchgram Development Authority.
The plan mandates that all new settlements be equipped with modern smart civic amenities similar to AURIC City, developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Investments of approximately Rs 20 lakh crore may be required to meet housing, transport, and civic infrastructure demands across the NCR.
Rao Inderjit Singh's Concerns
Rao Inderjit Singh has previously criticized the project, expressing concerns about its impact on farmers and warning that agricultural land could be 'squeezed like a lemon.' He had opposed the project in its present form, particularly in the Rewari-Gurugram belt, and indicated he would escalate his objections to the Prime Minister's Office. His current demand for a water audit before planning proceeds represents a conditional softening of his stance—support for the idea, but not without addressing the water issue.
During the meeting with GMDA officials, Rao stated, 'Water is one of the most basic requirements and a key civic issue. We are in a dark zone, and even in urban areas, water supply is a problem in many parts. We aim to build new cities, but I need to see the plan for getting water there.'
Project History and Challenges
The project has a troubled history. The Haryana Cabinet under former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar approved the Panchgram Development Bill in 2018, envisioning five new cities across eight districts: Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurugram, Rewari, Mewat, Faridabad, and Palwal. However, the project stalled due to land acquisition hurdles and administrative delays. After failing feasibility tests in NCR districts, the Saini government pivoted to a broader Dashagram plan—an array of 10 industrial towns across the state.
Now, with the NCR Draft Regional Plan 2041 reviving the Panchgram framework at the regional level, the project has gained fresh momentum and scrutiny. Industry observers caution that prolonged political discord could dampen investor sentiment, especially as NCR competes for large-scale investments.
