‘Nexus of MCD engineers, builders, maybe even some politicians must be exposed’

A nexus has built up. Things have reached a point where instances of breaking the law were more than complying with it. It is painful at the moment, but this (the demolition drive) will send a message that nobody is above the law. This feeling had grown over the years. The nexus has obviously made some earning out of it. This includes Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) engineers, builders, and maybe even some politicians. We must identify the officers, then the nexus of whoever it might be. The nexus has to be exposed. If something gets exposed, action has to be taken. There is a system, but it’s either defunct or become a part of the nexus which makes illegal constructions.

• What happens to the demolition drive after MCD moves Court?

The only plea the Court may consider is a time frame, a detailed plan of action. Today, there’s an element of discrimination. Some buildings are being broken down, others are being left untouched. And the list of 18,000 that MCD has taken up is not exhaustive. We could look at a committee at the zonal level, with the deputy commissioner, executive engineer, even an officer appointed by the Court. This committee should be accountable for any new building that comes up, to pinpoint if something is illegal. The MCD must identify all the violations. At the same time, we must respect those who follow the law.

• How can the mess in MCD be cleared?

By breaking it up. Look at the New Delhi Municipal Council, it is much smaller. The agency’s control is a lot more effective. London has boroughs, with representatives responsible for a limited area. The MCD has one commissioner who sits at Town Hall; he is unable to get a complete picture of one crore-plus people in the city.

• But can this be done, given the political opposition, including from within the Congress?

We have proposed three corporations or five corporations instead of the current monolith. I hope this incident (the demolition drive) and the ineffective functioning of the MCD ensures that the split happens soon. It’s part of our manifesto, the party’s top-most leaders have endorsed it. I don’t see how people can oppose it.

• Will complete statehood help matters?

Yes, if we had full statehood, accountability of government would have been there. Today, we have multiplicity. For instance, we fund the MCD, the Union Home Ministry appoints the Commissioner, the officers are appointed by us but the agency functions under an Act of Parliament. The Delhi Development Authority comes under the Urban Development Ministry, law and order also comes under the Centre.

• How crucial are the changes in the Master Plan that are being talked about?

The Master Plan 2021 will have to take a hard look at the issue of land use; it will have to be more flexible and realistic. It is imperative that the Master Plan is in keeping with ground realities. The city’s population is growing every year. We need housing, shops, services. The civic agencies, particularly the DDA, must cater to the needs of the people. The DDA and MCD must build more markets. The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) must be increased as there’s a shortage of land in the city. I am not sure the Master Plan can legalise irregularities with retrospective effect. Maybe, there can be a cut-off date. But our plans must reflect Delhi of the 21st century.

• You have proposed a committee to look into unauthorised constructions. What is it supposed to do?

We suggested the formation of a committee when we met the Union Urban Development Minister. Somebody must reflect ground realities. Do we have the luxury we had in the ’50s or the ’60s? Some laws have become impractical. Some of them are archaic.