Noida: As the Noida International Airport prepares for its November launch, a real estate frenzy has gripped the region. Land dealers and brokers are aggressively pitching “dream plots” near Jewar airport, often using fake maps, forged documents, and elaborate sales pitches to trap unsuspecting investors.
The dealers’ most persuasive line is simple: The airport is just 30 minutes away. Ads on Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp forwards amplify this promise, luring hundreds into site visits that are carefully staged with manicured “show plots.” Buyers are told the land lies outside the notified Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area, making it “safe” for private purchase. A small token amount secures a “booking.”
However, in reality, most of this land falls under the Khair tehsil of Aligarh district, which is part of the 92 villages earmarked for development under the Master Plan 2031, Phase 2. The distance from Delhi is well over 100 km. Property here is sold at rates ranging between ₹16,000 and–24,000 per square yard, despite legal restrictions.
A scripted sales trap
The airport is just 24 km from here. Film City and other mega projects are also coming. This is the right time to invest.
Aryan, Salesman who promised boundary walls on part payment and offers in house finance in lieu of bank loans
Other “projects” like Shri Hari Vatika in Dewaka used generic brochures with tall claims, such as proximity to Taj International School, which turned out to be a dilapidated structure. Developers claim to cover hundreds of bighas, with expansion promised after every harvest.
YEIDA’s struggle against the land mafia
YEIDA officials say the scam is nothing new. In the last three years, the authority has conducted 25+ anti-encroachment drives, reclaiming land worth nearly ₹2,500 crore. Still, weak enforcement and limited police presence allow fraud to flourish.
YEIDA CEO R.K. Singh has urged police reinforcements and warned that weekend sales drives are a major hotspot for fraud.
People are lured by the dream of owning property near the airport. But if it is not allotted or approved by YEIDA, it is illegal, no matter how real it looks,.a senior official cautioned.
RK Singh, CEO, YEIDA
Despite notices issued to 300 developers and FIRs against 57 individuals, the land mafia thrives. Recent crackdowns revealed how fake companies, forged approvals, and staged property shows siphoned off crores from buyers. In July, Aligarh authorities seized 40,000 sqm of land worth ₹61 crore from a Noida-based gang. Another racket floated a fake construction firm to divert investor money into personal accounts.
Growing risk zone
With land prices around Jewar, Vrindavan and Tappal skyrocketing on the back of projects like the airport, Film City, Logistic Park and Heritage City, the region has become a magnet for illegal colonies and unauthorised real estate activities.
For potential buyers, the warning is clear: if the land is not YEIDA-approved, it is a scam.