Cities are not just clusters of buildings and roads; they are living, breathing entities that evolve with the dreams and aspirations of their people. Across India, as populations have grown and economies have expanded, land use policies have adapted to allow cities to flourish. The Government of India has established norms for land use change, enabling agricultural land on the periphery of cities to be repurposed for commercial, residential, and industrial purposes. This transformation has been a catalyst for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and better urban living. However, in Jharkhand, old land use policies continue to hold back progress, making it difficult for cities to expand in an organized and sustainable manner. It is time for the state to embrace change, not just for economic reasons but to improve the lives of its people.
Not too long ago, the land surrounding all Indian cities was designated as agricultural. As urban centers expanded, governments realized that rigid classifications were impractical. The rules changed, allowing for structured urban development, enabling cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to emerge as economic powerhouses. These metropolises benefited from policies that encouraged real estate development, industrial zones, and commercial hubs, creating millions of jobs and elevating living standards. Without these reforms, they would have remained restricted, unable to accommodate their growing populations and economic ambitions.
Jharkhand, despite its rich mineral resources and growing urban centers, has not kept pace with this transformation. The state continues to enforce stringent land use restrictions, making it difficult for agricultural land on city outskirts to be legally repurposed for urban expansion. This outdated approach has led to unregulated and often illegal settlements, poor infrastructure, and a lack of planned development. Cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad are expanding, but without proper policies in place, they struggle with traffic congestion, water shortages, and inadequate housing. Meanwhile, businesses hesitate to invest due to complex land regulations and bureaucratic hurdles, limiting job opportunities for the state’s youth.
Young professionals searching for opportunities in Jharkhand’s cities find limited options, forcing many to migrate to other states. Families seeking better housing face rising property prices due to restricted land availability. Farmers, who should be able to benefit from rising land values, instead struggle with uncertainty and bureaucratic red-tapism when they try to sell or repurpose their land. Jharkhand’s policies, meant to protect agricultural land harm rural and urban populations by preventing necessary urban expansion.
Reforming land use policies in Jharkhand can bring significant benefits to its people. By allowing agricultural land near urban areas to be legally converted for commercial and residential purposes, the state can create well-planned cities with better roads, reliable water and electricity supply, and more job opportunities. With clear policies, businesses will feel more confident investing in the state, leading to new industries, IT hubs, and commercial centers. This would not only generate employment but also boost state revenues, allowing the government to invest in better schools, hospitals, and public services.
Legalizing land use changes will also make housing more affordable. With more land available for development, the housing facilities will increase, checking property prices and making it easier for people to own homes. Farmers will benefit too. Instead of struggling with unclear regulations, they can sell their land at fair market prices, giving them the financial freedom to invest in modern farming techniques or new livelihoods. With the right policies, the transition from agriculture to urbanization can be a win-win for everyone.
Other states in India have successfully navigated this transition. Gujarat’s Town Planning Scheme ensured that landowners were compensated fairly while enabling structured city expansion. Telangana’s policies transformed Hyderabad into a thriving IT hub, attracting global businesses and creating thousands of jobs. Jharkhand can take inspiration from these examples and implement a well-planned process for land use change that balances urban development with the rights and needs of its people.
For this transformation to happen, the Jharkhand government must take decisive action. Land use policies need to be updated to allow for the seamless conversion of agricultural land where urban expansion is inevitable. Bureaucratic delays and corruption in land approvals must be addressed through transparent, digital processes. A long-term urban development plan must be designed with input from citizens, businesses, and planners to ensure that growth is inclusive and sustainable. Special Economic Zones and industrial corridors should be identified and developed to attract investments, creating new opportunities for Jharkhand’s workforce. Importantly, farmers and landowners must be given fair compensation and resettlement support, ensuring that they benefit from this transition rather than being displaced by it.
The future of Jharkhand’s cities should not be left to chance. The state stands at a critical juncture where it can embrace progress or remain stuck in outdated regulations that hinder development. By reforming its land use policies, Jharkhand can create modern, vibrant cities that offer opportunities for all—where young people can find meaningful work, families can afford quality housing, and businesses can thrive. Change is not just necessary; it is inevitable. The question is whether Jharkhand will change its land use policies or remain indecisive, hindering development.
The author is a Professor at Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranch. The views expressed are personal. Email: pandeyanant@hotmail.com
