Patna: Farmers selling land earmarked for proposed satellite townships in Bihar will receive payment within one month, Urban Development and Housing Minister Nitish Mishra told the Legislative Council on Wednesday.
The minister said instructions have been issued to ensure that the entire process, from land verification to payment, is completed within this timeframe. He added that landowners have been allowed to sell land identified for township projects, particularly in emergency situations.
Around 750 Applications Received
Mishra said applications for selling such land must be submitted to the Bihar Housing Board. Around 750 applications have been received so far.
He also announced that the government is developing a digital platform to simplify and speed up the application process for landowners.
No Forced Land Acquisition
The minister assured the House that land for the proposed townships would not be acquired forcibly.
He said farmers would be informed at every stage of the process and that the government would ensure transparency during land transactions linked to the township projects.
Master Plan Yet to Be Finalised
Mishra said the master plan for the proposed satellite townships is still under preparation and is being finalised.
He also informed the Council that the Housing Department is opening new offices in areas where it currently has no presence. While the planning area has received approval from the Council of Ministers, the final notification is yet to be issued.
Bihar Urban Development Bill 2026
The minister said the Bihar Urban Development Bill, 2026 is expected to be introduced in the House. The proposed legislation aims to facilitate the development of 12 greenfield satellite townships across the state.
The government has announced plans to develop a township named Pataliputra near Patna and Hariharnathpuram in Sonepur. An authority headed by the Chief Secretary will be constituted to oversee the implementation of the township projects.
