THE HINDU

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 28, 2009

Reclassification of land simplified

COIMBATORE: The State government has simplified the process of seeking land use reclassification by eliminating the role of local bodies as a channel to route proposals and applications to the local planning authorities. Proposers and applicants can now directly approach the planning authority. The final clearance will come from the government.

Re-classification is normally sought when an industrial unit is planned on agricultural land or when residential or commercial complexes are planned on agricultural or industrial land.

Applications for re-classification will go to the local planning authority or the Regional Deputy Director of Town and Country Planning, depending on the area.

The Government Order explains the modified re-classification procedure without directly mentioning anything about local bodies. It says the Commissioner of Town and Country Planning has suggested certain ways and means for “removal of delay” in giving effect to re-classification of land use in Master Plans.

The order says the Member-Secretary of the Composite Local Planning Authority or the Regional Deputy Director may receive the proposal for re-classification.

Even as they process the applications, the officials can call for remarks from the local bodies and invite objections and suggestions from the public in 30 days.

After examining these, the proposal can be forwarded to the DTCP with a resolution of the LPA. The DTCP will add its remarks and forward it to the State government.

After examining the proposals, the government will approve re-classification with or without conditions. The LPA should then notify this through a gazette, as it has been empowered to do so now.

By K.V. Prasad