Ahead of polls, 1,939 Delhi colonies regularized

Delhi/NCR
As Delhi prepares for assembly polls, the Union Cabinet on December 29 amended the existing guidelines for regularization of unauthorized colonies which would give legal status to at least 1,939 such colonies where an estimated 60 lakh people live.

The amended norms, however, will not cover "affluent colonies" such as Sainik Farms and Anant Ram Dairy.

The Cabinet extended the cut-off date to be eligible for regularization from March 2002 to June 2014, thus extending the benefit to over 1,000 more colonies. As per the existing guidelines, only 895 colonies were found to be eligible. Sources said the formal notification would be out within a week.

The Cabinet decision comes barely a week after Parliament passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill to extend the date to protect all unauthorized colonies and slums from sealing and demolition.

Delhi government had received applications for regularization from 1,639 colonies. Another 300 unauthorized colonies had come up since March 31, 2002 — the earlier cut-off date — thereby taking total number to 1,939.

"We took this matter to Cabinet after holding rounds of meetings with DDA, Lt Governor, Delhi government, MPs from Delhi and three municipal corporations. I also held meeting with law secretary and UD secretary prior to firming up this proposal. First, we gave three years' protection to all such colonies from demolition and sealing. Then we got Cabinet approval to regularize them. It will take some time for regularization, but we will do it," urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu told TOI.

On how long it will take for these colonies to get the legal tag, Naidu said it will be done much before the deadline. Responding to how this decision is different from the UPA government's move of June 2012, the minister said, "That did not have the Cabinet backing and so no further steps could be taken. We have got all the necessary approvals to prepare the plan for regularizing the colonies."

Naidu also said regularization and planned development of these colonies are practical solutions since "poor" people who are already living in such blocks cannot be removed.

Sources said the Delhi government had sent a proposal last week to revise the guidelines and sought extension of the cut-off date for regularization. It had also opined that regularization of unauthorized colonies will bring planned construction in these colonies under the existing building bye-laws and other applicable rules.

Officials said after the Cabinet decision, guidelines and norms would be framed to regularize the colonies based on identification of land on which the colonies have come up. It will also need changes in the Delhi Master Plan.

Source:http://content.magicbricks.com/industry-news/delhi-ncr-real-estate-news/ahead-of-polls-1939-delhi-colonies-regularized/79872.html