The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially launched its Land Pooling Policy 2026 through Government Order No. 173-JK(HUD) dated August 17, 2026. This policy, aimed at facilitating structured urban development, requires that at least 70% of landowners in a contiguous area consent to participate.
The policy allows developer entities to pool land by voluntarily engaging landowners interested in collaborating for urban transformation. Once the necessary percentage of landowner consent is obtained, the development process can commence.
A significant feature of the policy is that the Developer Entity can retain 60% of the pooled land, while the remaining 40% is surrendered to the relevant Development Authority. This surrendered land will support city-level infrastructure, recreational facilities, and public amenities as per the local Master and Zonal Development Plans.
The Developer Entity can also utilize its portion of pooled land for constructing residential, commercial, and institutional spaces. This inclusivity extends to arrangements for the equitable redistribution of land among participating owners through developed spaces or other agreed forms of exchange.
The policy aims to streamline the development process through a Single Window Facilitation System. This initiative mandates the Development Authority to handle all components of land pooling, ensuring seamless approvals and efficient planning.
Responsibilities of the Development Authority include planning and implementing infrastructure, resolving land use conflicts, and coordinating with essential services like water supply and electricity. Additionally, the authority must establish a mechanism for dispute resolution and oversee the provision of housing for Economically Weaker Sections.
To address disputes during the implementation phase, the policy sets up a two-tier grievance redressal system. A Grievance Redressal Committee led by the Designated Land Pooling Officer will resolve complaints within 30 days. Unresolved issues can be escalated to a second committee chaired by the Vice Chairman or Chief Executive Officer of the Development Authority.
The policy emphasizes transparency via an online portal dedicated to land pooling processes. This portal will facilitate applications, registrations, and real-time monitoring of scheme approvals. It sets strict timelines, such as the formation of a land pooling consortium within 60 days, extendable by 30 days, with a maximum completion time frame of five years.
The government ensures that the maintenance of land developed under these schemes remains with the Developer Entity until the local urban body formally takes over after proper completion and handover according to established norms.
The Land Pooling Policy 2026 represents a strategic shift towards fostering urban development in Jammu and Kashmir. It not only simplifies the engagement of landowners but also enhances infrastructure planning through integrated development frameworks.
