Delay Looms Over Film City Project Near Noida Airport Due to Layout Issues
Concerns Arise Over Film City Development
The highly anticipated film city initiative adjacent to the Noida International Airport may encounter setbacks even before construction commences. The search for a developer for this flagship project of the Yogi government has been prolonged, as global tenders did not attract any bidders. Eventually, a consortium led by producer Boney Kapoor, in partnership with the Bhutani Group, won the contract. Recently, Kapoor submitted the initial layout, which has since been met with multiple objections from government officials.
According to Arun Vir Singh, the Chief Executive Officer, the layout currently does not comply with the approved land use. He remarked, "The green areas are inadequately represented and appear fragmented."
Singh further explained that only Phase 1, which pertains to the industrial sector, will be eligible for approval at this time. The subsequent Phases 2 and 3 need to be clearly delineated in the revised map.
A significant issue is the repurposing of green spaces that were initially designated for parks, playgrounds, and communal areas. Developers have suggested constructing film studios with residential facilities on this land.
Officials pointed out that the green belt category lacks clear definition in the proposal. Instead of appearing as cohesive zones, natural areas are depicted as narrow strips along roads.
The draft also includes various commercial entities, such as hotels and warehouses, within the industrial zone, which contradicts the sanctioned land use regulations. Furthermore, the consortium has yet to submit the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department and a structural stability certificate. In Phase 1, the approved project plan allocates 155 acres for industrial use, which includes a film institute covering 21 acres and studios and production facilities spanning 134 acres. The remaining 75 acres are earmarked for commercial development, although that will occur at a later stage. Officials from YEIDA, who met with Boney Kapoor and Ashish Bhutani recently, indicated that the company must revise and present its development plan in phases.