Correspondent: Vijaypal, New Delhi

In a significant push toward planned urban expansion, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved the change of land use for 40.2 hectares in Sector-8B, Northwest Delhi, marking a major milestone under Delhi’s Land Pooling Policy.


With this decision, Sector-8B becomes the first among 138 identified sectors to qualify for development under the Land Pooling framework notified in 2018.


40.2 hectares of land approved for change of land use
Sector-8B becomes the first eligible sector under the Land Pooling Policy
Mandatory 70% contiguous pooled land requirement fulfilled
Proposal to be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
First among 138 sectors to meet prescribed criteria
Villages Included in the Development Plan


The sector covers land falling in the villages of Garhi Khurso, Mukmelpur, and Ibrahim Pur.
The DDA had granted preliminary approval on November 5, 2025, following which a public notice was issued inviting objections and suggestions. After completing the statutory process, final approval has now been granted.


70% Land Pooling Condition Achieved
According to DDA officials, Sector-8B successfully met the mandatory threshold of 70% contiguous pooled land, making it eligible for implementation. This milestone is expected to pave the way for similar progress in other notified sectors.


What Is the Land Pooling Policy?
The Land Pooling Policy, incorporated in the Delhi Master Plan-2021 and notified on October 11, 2018, replaces compulsory land acquisition with a voluntary land aggregation mechanism.
Under the policy:
Landowners voluntarily pool their land for integrated development.
After infrastructure development, a portion of developed land is returned to landowners.
The remaining area is used for housing, public amenities, roads, drainage, electricity, and civic infrastructure.
Policy Scope: 20,422 Hectares Across Six Planning Zones
The policy applies to approximately 20,422 hectares spread across six planning zones — K-I, L, N, P-II, and parts of P-I — divided into 138 sectors.


Strict Action Against Unauthorized Construction
In September 2023, the DDA directed power distribution companies to withhold new electricity connections in land pooling zones, aiming to discourage unauthorized construction and ensure compliance with the Master Plan and the Delhi Development Act.

A Major Step Toward Planned Urban Expansion
Officials believe the approval in Northwest Delhi represents a crucial step toward structured urban growth, enabling the creation of infrastructure-backed residential and commercial sectors.

Progress in other sectors, however, will depend on landowners completing pooling formalities.
The decision is widely seen as a defining moment in reshaping Northwest Delhi’s urban landscape, setting the stage for a new chapter in planned development.