Things To Know About National Land Utilisation Policy  

Land, as an asset, is the most valuable asset for a country, and the key to a nation's development lies in the manner in which it utilises this immovable asset. In India, like all other nations, development planning is done keeping this fact in mind. However, with a rise in population and shrinking space, it's high time land-use patterns were redefined.

That is where the new law comes into the picture.

Stressing on the "need for a policy framework to ensure optimal utilisation of land resource through appropriate land-use planning and management", the Rural Development Ministry has formulated the National Land Utilisation Policy, 2013.

A look at the key features of the policy:

Every state has to prepare its own policy on the matter, within a period of one year from the date of publication of the national policy. While the national policy will be the guiding principle, state will be incorporating state-specific requirements in their respective policies. 

Under the policy, a National Land Use Council will be set for an effective implementation. Among the panel's many functions would be resolving inter-state conflicts. States will set up their own panel, too. 

Under the policy, six types of land utilisation zones have to be identified based on their predominant land use. These include predominantly rural and agricultural areas, areas under transformation, predominantly urban areas, predominantly industrial areas, predominantly ecological areas, landscape conservation, tourism & heritage areas and major hazard vulnerable areas.

Under the policy, the government will identify technical agencies and provide support for the production of data and preparation of land utilisation maps at various levels.

A regional development plan has to be prepared for the entire area of land utilisation zone (LUZ) , followed by a detailed Development Plan or Master Plan preparation for sub-regions within LUZ.

Among the key motives behind the policy are optimal utilisation of land resources for achieving sustainable development, protection of agricultural lands to ensure food security and preserving historic and cultural heritage.

The overall approach of the policy is to "serve as a guiding framework for the preparation of state land utilisation policies". The goal of the policy is to "achieve improvement of livelihood, food and water security, and best-possible realisation of various developmental targets so as to ensure sustainable development of India".