Short answer: GMADA’s land pooling scheme in 2026 is optional. A landowner whose land is being acquired can take cash compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act or take developed plots back. The latest change is the third revision, notified on 6 July 2026. It raised plot entitlements to 1,000 sq yd residential + 210 sq yd commercial (SCO) per acre, or 1,630 sq yd residential-only per acre. It also brought in tradable Special LOIs for small holdings and a stamp duty exemption for original owners.
Punjab has rewritten its land pooling policy three times in roughly a year, and that has left many landowners, buyers and investors in New Chandigarh unsure what applies today. This guide gives the current position in plain language, using GMADA’s official notices and reporting from The Tribune.
What is land pooling?
Under land pooling, a landowner gives agricultural land to GMADA for a planned township. Instead of only receiving cash, the owner gets a share of the land back as developed residential and commercial plots, with roads, sewerage, water and power already laid. A plot in a developed sector is usually worth far more than raw farmland, so the owner shares in the value that urban development creates.
GMADA’s stated goals for the policy are to build planned urban estates, to consolidate fragmented land parcels, and to avoid compulsory acquisition.
Timeline: how the policy changed (2025–2026)
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 14 May & 4 June 2025 | Land Pooling Policy 2025 notified (amended 25 July 2025). It proposed pooling about 65,000 acres across Punjab. |
| 7 Aug 2025 | The Punjab & Haryana High Court stayed the policy. The court said it had been notified in haste, without social or environmental impact studies. |
| 11–14 Aug 2025 | The government withdrew the 2025 policy and all its amendments. The High Court later disposed of the petitions as infructuous. |
| Nov 2025 | A revised optional model began: the landowner chooses between statutory cash compensation and developed plots. |
| Dec 2025 | Compensation awards announced, including about ₹3,690 crore for roughly 716 acres in Eco City-3. |
| Feb–Apr 2026 | GMADA issued public notices, corrigenda and an updated form for Eco City-3 land pooling plot-size options. The deadline was later extended. |
| 11 Apr 2026 | A high-level meeting agreed an enhanced package in principle, covering bigger plots, the oustee quota and village development. |
| 1–6 July 2026 | The Cabinet approved the package (Version 3) and the government notified it on 6 July 2026. It applies across GMADA’s jurisdiction with immediate effect. |
Current entitlements per acre (after the July 2026 notification)
| Category of land pooled | Before | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential / mixed-use: residential plot + commercial SCO | 1,000 sq yd + 200 sq yd | 1,000 sq yd + 210 sq yd |
| Residential-only option (no commercial) | 1,600 sq yd | 1,630 sq yd |
| Commercial category | 800 sq yd | 840 sq yd |
The higher entitlements apply to holdings of one acre and above. Holdings smaller than an acre are now covered in proportion through Special LOIs, explained below.
Other key benefits in the 2026 package
- Special LOIs for small holdings: owners of less than an acre receive a Letter of Intent in proportion to their land. These LOIs can be traded and clubbed together until they add up to a full plot.
- Stamp duty exemption: original landowners pay no stamp duty when they register the developed plot allotted to them.
- Oustee quota plots at scheme price: 200 sq yd for small holdings, 300 sq yd for mid-size holdings and 500 sq yd for holdings above 2.5 acres. These plots are available even to owners who chose cash.
- Sahuliyat Certificate: validity doubled from two to four years. The certificate gives benefits when buying replacement farmland.
- Free conveyance deed for original landowners.
- Fair draw of lots: every plot, including preferential-location plots, goes into the draw. This also applies to Eco City-3 and the Aerotropolis pockets.
- Village development: phirni houses, schools, parks and dispensaries are protected from acquisition. Village sewerage, water and drainage are to be linked to GMADA’s systems, with a target of development within three years of possession.
Eco City-3, New Chandigarh: compensation and pooling option
Eco City-3 is the next GMADA township after Eco City 1 and Eco City 2, covering about 716 acres across nine villages. The award rates announced per acre were:
| Village | Compensation (₹ crore / acre) |
|---|---|
| Salamatpur | 6.46 |
| Dhodemajra | 6.40 |
| Rasulpur | 5.91 |
| Kansala | 5.46 |
| Kartarpur | 5.43 |
| Takipur | 4.99 |
| Hoshiarpur | 4.98 |
| Rajgarh | 4.27 |
| Majra | 4.27 |
Owners who choose pooling instead of cash receive developed plots at the entitlements shown above. According to The Tribune, farmland in the GMADA belt was worth about ₹5 crore an acre before notification and about ₹8 crore after. The developed plots under pooling are estimated at about ₹16 crore an acre in combined market value. That figure is an estimate, and the real value depends on how quickly the township is developed.
What this means for buyers and investors
- LOIs will trade more: Special LOIs are tradable and can be clubbed, so expect more LOI trading in Eco City-3 and the Aerotropolis.
- Check before you buy: verify the LOI number, the category (residential or commercial), the land size it was issued against, and its status with GMADA before you buy.
- Allotted plots in Eco City 1 and 2: plots that have already been allotted, such as those in Eco City 1 and Eco City 2, carry less uncertainty than LOIs because the sector, plot number and infrastructure already exist.
- Timeline risk: development timelines in new townships can slip. Factor this into your holding period.
Frequently asked questions
Is GMADA land pooling compulsory in 2026?
No. Since November 2025 it has been optional. A landowner can choose cash compensation under the 2013 Act or developed plots under the land pooling scheme.
How much land do I get back for one acre?
You get 1,000 sq yd of residential plot plus 210 sq yd of commercial SCO, or 1,630 sq yd if you choose residential only. Land pooled in the commercial category gets 840 sq yd.
What is an LOI in land pooling?
A Letter of Intent is GMADA’s provisional document confirming your entitlement to a developed plot. You hold it until the plot is allotted through a draw. Under the 2026 rules, Special LOIs for holdings under an acre can be traded and clubbed.
Was the Land Pooling Policy 2025 cancelled?
Yes. The compulsory 2025 policy was withdrawn in August 2025 after the High Court stay. The optional model and the July 2026 enhancements replaced it.
Where can I read the official notices?
On the GMADA website, under Land Owners → Land Pooling Scheme and Public Notices.
Buying or selling an LOI or plot in New Chandigarh?
Our team handles Eco City 1, Eco City 2, Eco City 3 and land pooling LOIs every day. Call or WhatsApp +91 98777-77860 for verified listings and the best current price. RERA Agent: PBRERA-SAS80-REA1305.
Disclaimer: this article simplifies public notifications and news reports for general information. It is not legal advice. Entitlements, deadlines and rates can change, so always confirm with the official GMADA notification before making a decision. Last updated: 13 November 2026.
Sources
- GMADA – Land Pooling Scheme
- GMADA – Public Notices (Eco City-3 land pooling)
- The Tribune – Land pooling policy 3.0
- The Tribune – Why Punjab keeps rewriting its land pooling policy
- Bar & Bench – Policy withdrawn after High Court stay
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