Patna: The Bihar government has initiated the process of conducting Social Impact Assessment (SIA) studies for land acquisition in four proposed Greenfield Satellite Townships, marking another step towards the implementation of the state’s planned urban development projects.
Vinay Kumar, Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, has written to the district magistrates of Patna, Muzaffarpur, Saran and Gaya, directing them to begin the assessment before initiating land acquisition proceedings.
The move follows the state government’s recent decision to acquire land separately for the core areas of the proposed townships.
Four Satellite Townships Covered
The Social Impact Assessment will be carried out for the proposed:
- Patliputra Greenfield Satellite Township (Patna)
- Tirhut Greenfield Satellite Township (Muzaffarpur)
- Hariharnathpur Satellite Township (Sonepur)
- Magadh Greenfield Satellite Township (Gaya)
According to the department, land acquisition in the first phase will be limited to the core areas of these projects.
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Core Areas Identified
The Urban Development and Housing Department has proposed the following core areas for the projects:
- Patliputra Greenfield Satellite Township (Patna): approximately 3,008 acres
- Hariharnathpur Satellite Township (Sonepur): approximately 2,000 acres
- Magadh Greenfield Satellite Township (Gaya): approximately 1,629 acres
- Tirhut Greenfield Satellite Township (Muzaffarpur): approximately 1,191 acres
The department said that if additional land is required in future for infrastructure or other essential facilities, separate proposals will be prepared.
Assessment To Be Conducted Under Land Acquisition Law
The Social Impact Assessment will be carried out under the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
The study will assess the likely impact of the projects on affected families, livelihoods, local communities, social structures, natural resources and the surrounding area before land acquisition proceeds.
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Bihar Govt Signs Rs 1 Lakh Crore MoU With HUDCO To Develop 12 Greenfield Satellite Townships
Government Cites Planned Urban Expansion
According to the Urban Development and Housing Department, the proposed satellite townships are intended to support planned urban expansion, improve civic infrastructure and create new centres of economic activity.
Officials said the projects are expected to attract investment, generate employment opportunities and contribute to Bihar’s long-term economic development.
The department has directed the district administrations to begin the Social Impact Assessment process at the earliest in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the state government’s rules.
