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Uttar Pradesh government introduces amendments to UP Urban Planning Act

In a significant development aimed at boosting urbanization and enhancing infrastructure, the state government of Uttar Pradesh has introduced a series of amendments to the UP Urban Planning and Development Act. These amendments usher in a new era for land use upgradation, making it mandatory for individuals and organizations to pay special amenity fees and urban use charges for any changes in land use within the state. 
Until now, Uttar Pradesh had not imposed any fees for altering land use, but with these changes, authorities gain the authority to modify provisions outlined in the master plan, subject to government approval. This move is expected to both drive urban development and provide the authorities with an avenue to generate additional revenue for improved facilities and services. 
The Housing and Urban Planning Department took a crucial step towards implementing these changes on September 15 by circulating the necessary documents among the vice-chairpersons of 29 development authorities across the state. 
One senior officer explained the rationale behind the revised act, stating that under the current framework, construction projects conducted in contrast to the land use specifications within the master plan could be regularized without incurring any fees. The revised act is designed to address this loophole. 
Under the new regulations, authorities will have the capability to collect urban use charges when approving applications for elevated land use and land use changes. Additionally, special amenity fees will be introduced to accommodate significant infrastructure changes and revisions to the master plan. All the funds collected will be deposited into the Special Amenities Development Fund of the respective authority. 
To ensure the fair calculation of these fees and charges, a six-member committee has been established, featuring key figures such as the vice-chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), the chief town and country planner, and the director of Awas Bandhu, among others. This committee will be responsible for devising the formula and determining the charges. 
These amendments mark a significant shift in land use regulations in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to enhance urban infrastructure and streamline the development process while ensuring that adequate funds are available for essential amenities and projects.

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