Delhi Chief Minister Atishi (File Photo)No-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will no longer be required to obtain electricity connections for residents of unauthorised colonies, Chief Minister Atishi announced Wednesday. “We have ordered the discoms to ensure that electricity connections are provided within 15 days of application,” she said.
Meanwhile, the DDA, headed by the Lt-Governor, stated in a release that decisions for the issues raised by the discoms requiring NOC for power connection for 1,731 PM UDAY colonies were already taken on October 15. “Any restriction on development including electricity connections is the sole prerogative of DDA and not of any other authority,” it said.
Earlier in the day, Atishi had criticised the DDA order that mandated a written NOC, confirming that the area did not fall under land pooling, from the authority for power connections. “As a result of this rule, many residents were bothered. They had to often give bribes to get electricity connections,” the CM said.
“For the past year, residents from colonies such as Swaroop Vihar Extension, Mohan Garden, Vipin Garden, and Newada Extension, among others, have been facing hardships in securing electricity connections. Many people have visited me to complain about the issue,” Atishi said.
Delhi has 1,731 unauthorised colonies, many of which struggle with inadequate infrastructure and lack of essential services. “Until 10 years ago, these unauthorised colonies were pathetic. Politicians used to go there to ask for votes, but no work was done to improve their condition,” Atishi said.
“In the past 10 years, ever since the AAP came to power in Delhi, these unauthorised colonies have seen drastic improvements — water lines, sewer systems, and overall living conditions have been significantly upgraded,” she added.