In the regions of Noida and Greater Noida, the increasing scarcity of land is anticipated to make housing significantly more expensive in both cities. Among 54 villages in Noida, a staggering 40 have been protesting for allotted plots for several years, indicating that the demand for land remains robust. Consequently, the prospect of availability for allotment to developers is diminishing sharply. With land demand on the rise, prices are inevitably expected to escalate considerably. Not only are approximately 10,000 farmers seeking developed land plots, but around 4,500 farmers from 11 Noida villages, whose lands were acquired prior to 1997, have also initiated their own forms of agitation.
To counter the growing demand, the authority has proposed the option of increasing the floor area ratio, which would enable the construction of larger buildings. However, this measure alone cannot resolve the pressing crisis at hand. An uptick in land rates is also essential.
Conversely, in Greater Noida, the scenario unfolds quite differently. Recent rulings from two courts have invalidated the forcible acquisition of approximately 750 hectares in two villages. Several other villages have similarly approached the court for intervention. Negotiations for out-of-court settlements are underway; should these farmers receive higher payments, the prices of land will inevitably increase. Conversely, in the absence of such settlements, reacquisition of the land under the state's new acquisition policy will be necessary, dramatically reducing the amount of land available for sale through the authority.