The controversial Greater Noida Master Plan 2021 has finally been approved by the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), in a move that has cleared the way for recommencement of construction work in hundreds of housing projects in the area.

Confirming the development, an official said, "The board has given a nod to the Master Plan 2021 with certain conditions."

In 2007, the Greater Noida Authority acquired 3,000 hectares of land from farmers for industrial use; but later it used 2,500 hectares of that land housing projects 'Noida Extension'.

Originals owners of the land opposed the move and and dragged the Greater Noida Authority to court.

Last year, the Allahabad High Court directed the government to stop construction of the housing projects, saying the Noida Master Plan had not gained approval from the NCRPB.

As the plan has finally been approved by the NCRPB, there is again a ray of hope for thousands of home buyers.

The NCRPB has approved the plan with certain conditions, such as 20 per cent houses to be reserved for economically weaker buyers, and 16 per cent area of the projects to be developed as green belts.