Haryana Tightens Rules for Use of Panchayat Land: Gram Sabha Approval Mandatory for Private Access

March 24, 2026

Panipat: The Haryana government has decided to make the process of allowing passage (right of way) through village common (shamlat) land for private projects more transparent and accountable.

Under the new rules, any private project seeking access through panchayat land must obtain approval from at least three-fourths (3/4) of the Gram Panchayat members and two-thirds (2/3) of the Gram Sabha members.

The move aims to ensure that decisions regarding community land are taken with wider consensus and in the interest of the entire village, rather than benefiting private entities alone.

Ownership of Land to Remain with Panchayat
As per the new policy, the land will neither be sold nor given on loan for creating access routes. Ownership will continue to remain with the Gram Panchayat.

In this context, the Sanoli Khurd Gram Panchayat in Panipat has proposed a land exchange for setting up a sewage treatment plant (STP). The पंचायत has offered its 9 kanal 3 marla land in exchange for 15 kanal land owned by a company.

The estimated market value of the land involved in the exchange is around ₹4.57 crore, where construction of a concrete tank is being planned.

Access to Benefit Common Residents as Well
Panchayat representatives believe that this decision will ensure that any passage created for private projects will also be accessible to local residents.

The government’s primary objective is to prioritise transparency, collective consent, and public welfare in decisions related to panchayat land.

Expected Impact of the Decision
The new rules are expected to bring greater transparency in the use of panchayat land and strengthen the role of the Gram Sabha in decision-making.

It will also ensure that ownership remains protected with the पंचायत and that village interests are safeguarded while allowing controlled development.