Centre plans to change DDA146;s Masterplan in run-up to polls

Since April 20, DDA, under directions from the Union Urban Development ministry, has proposed 36 amendments to Masterplan 2021 8212; the proposals were made on May 16 and 18, and June 8; DDA proposed 9, 5 and 12 amendments, respectively.

A majority of amendments proposed aim to authorise illegal constructions and activities in residential colonies under mixed-land use. Critics of the government see the move as a pre-election sop, for the sealing drive and the consequent turmoil had pushed the government into a corner.

Confirming the proposed amendments, Ranjit Kumar, assisting the Supreme Court as amicus curiae, said though the plan had been notified, the amendments were still continuing.

Taking this into account, he said, the apex court must examine its impact on the city8217;s basic infrastructure: water supply, power, sewerage, roads, and parking spaces.

8220;If these major issues are not sorted out, the whole masterplan will become meaningless,8221; he said. 8220;Added housing units and commercial establishments in residential areas would put additional burden on existing infrastructure.8221;

Defending the proposals, DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar said, 8220;The amendments have been proposed after receiving suggestions and comments from the general public and members of DDA.8221;

Public notices issued

DDA has, meanwhile, issued public notices for the proposed amendments calling in objections from the public. But critics have found fault with even that, for apparent lack of transparency. 8220;If the civic body receives any objections regarding a proposed amendment it must hold a public hearing,8221; a source said. 8220;For this, only the person who has raised objection is called, a public notice regarding the particular hearing is not issued.8221;

Sources stated the process of putting up public notice and hearing of objections is likely to be completed by September, just a few weeks before the Assembly polls are scheduled.

Amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar said Delhi has become a veritable concrete jungle as the original vision of developing the National Capital Region NCR involving neighbouring states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan had remained only on paper.

He said though the NCRDB Act had been formulated as far back as 1985 to de-congest Delhi, the NCR Board and the authorities concerned had failed to ensure its implementation.

In the process, he said, thousands of offices, commercial establishments and residential premises had mushroomed in the Capital with consequential migration of population into Delhi. In fact, Kumar said residents are a silent majority who have to bear the brunt of illegality being committed by a few.

Interestingly, in an affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court by the Union Urban Development Ministry, it is accepted that 8220;only about 25 per cent of the requirement of commercial space projected in Masterplan 1962 has been built up by the DDA8221;.

The Congress party, meanwhile, insists there is nothing political about the amendments being proposed by DDA. 8220;Even the Constitution of India has been amended several times,8221; Delhi Congress president J P Agarwal said. 8220;This amendment is not an attempt at appeasing a political vote bank but just an effort to provide relief to the common people.8221;

On the cards

Earlier, only one shop was allowed to operate from ground floors of A and B category colonies. Now the proposed amendment wants to increase this to the number of dwelling units on the plot or four 8211; whichever is less. Para/ Clause No 15.6.3

For mixed use for 2006-07 and 2007-08, property owner/ allottee would be allowed to pay one-time registration charges and annual conversion charges without paying any penalty. The penalty was earlier not defined in the Masterplan document. Para/ Clause No 15.9

Coaching and tuition centres that will now be permissible up to two-third of the maximum permissible FAR in plots of less than 500 sq metres. Earlier the limit for plot size was 250 sq metres. The basements of such plots have also been included, provided they are cleared by fire authorities and other statutory bodies. Para/ Clause No 15.7.3 f

Wellness centres, day spas, weight loss centres, ayurvedic centres, salons offering fitness and aesthetic medical services and gymnasiums permitted on residential plots for which the cut-off date has been put at 7-2-2007. Para/Clause No 15.7.1 b II and e