The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) executed a significant anti-encroachment operation on Monday, successfully reclaiming 25 acres of prime land valued at approximately Rs 400 crore from illegal occupants. This land, located strategically near the upcoming Noida International Airport, had been unlawfully developed into unauthorised housing projects by encroachers seeking to capitalise on the airport's proximity.
Demolition of Unauthorised Colonies
During the drive, YEIDA teams demolished an unauthorised colony branded as "Green City", which was spread over about 12 acres in Dayanatpur village. This colony had been marketed as a residential project without obtaining necessary approvals. In an adjoining parcel of around 7 acres, where illegal plotting activities were actively underway, similar enforcement action was taken to clear the land.
Additionally, authorities cleared a 60-metre-wide road leading directly to the airport site, ensuring unimpeded access for future infrastructure development. In a parallel operation conducted in Sabota Mustafabad village, encroachments covering nearly 6 acres were also removed, demonstrating YEIDA's comprehensive approach to land reclamation.
Official Presence and Legal Actions
The enforcement drive was supervised by Additional CEO Rajesh Kumar and OSD Shailendra Singh, who were present along with police and revenue officials to ensure smooth execution. Officials confirmed that FIRs will be lodged against illegal colonisers and builders operating within the notified area, signalling a strict legal response to such violations.
Wider Enforcement Against Airport Township Rackets
This action forms part of YEIDA's broader enforcement campaign against so-called "airport township" rackets proliferating around Jewar and adjoining districts as the Noida International Airport project advances. The announcement of the airport triggered a land rush, with land mafia quickly converting cheap agricultural parcels into unauthorised plots without land-use change approvals.
These operators erected temporary boundary walls and signboards to create an illusion of legality, marketing these fake residential plots as "airport townships" to unsuspecting urban buyers seeking investment opportunities near the new airport.
Previous Major Reclamation Drives
YEIDA has been consistently active in land reclamation efforts over recent years. On October 15 last year, the authority freed nearly 300 acres worth Rs 1,200 crore in Aligarh, demolishing unauthorised colonies including The Grand Coloniser and Vrindavan Colony across Tappal, Hamidpur and Syarol.
Earlier, on September 16, YEIDA reclaimed 155 acres valued at approximately Rs 2,500 crore in Bulandshahr, where demolitions targeted illegal developments like Aeronest Coloniser, Shri Radha Gauri Enclave and Rudra Properties. Following directions from the CEO, field officers were instructed to conduct regular raids, file FIRs against illegal developers, and submit detailed action-taken reports.
Over the past three years, YEIDA has carried out over 25 major drives, cumulatively reclaiming land worth around Rs 6,500 crore across various locations, highlighting the scale and persistence of these enforcement operations.
