Centre notification has limited scope: Gupta and Arya

New Delhi, Feb 2 (UNI) A day after the Centre passed a notification directing local authorities to stop demolition or sealing of encroachments and unauthorised development on private land and in unauthorised colonies, Leader of the MCD House Subhash Arya and Standing committee chairman Vijender Gupta today said the Notification has very limited scope and will mainly focus on desealing.

In a joint press conference, Mr Gupta and Mr Arya said ''there is utter confusion and misconception about the provisions of directives in the said Notification.'' Mr Gupta informed that as per the notification, only 3500 shops situated at Madhu Vihar, Sanjay Nagar, Saidulajaib, Neb Sarai, Razapur, Mahipalpur, Nangloi, Badli will be desealed.

''Nearly, 70 per cent of these shops will be desealed by the Delhi Development Authority. MCD is concerned, a Zone-wise list of shops to be desealed as per this Notification is being prepared and shortly such shops will be desealed,''he said.

Mr Arya said the Congress has issued this Notification to fulfill its political interest keeping in view the coming Delhi Legislative Assembly Elections.

''The Notification has limited scope within the provision of Master Plan 2021 itself. The issues regarding unauthorised constructions beyond 15 meter height, regularisation of chajjas and projections, sub-division of residential plots/houses have not been taken care of.''Mr Arya said.

Mr Arya and Mr Gupta demanded from the Central Government that to save citizens of Delhi from draconian sword of sealing and demolition, it is imperative that One Time Amnesty Scheme be promulgated through an Ordinance.

Mr Gupta said as per Clause 1(i) of the Central government notification, the scope of desealing and no punitive action is limited to encroachment or unauthorized development referred to in Section 3 of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2007.

As per Clause 1(ii), the suspension and no punitive action shall be limited to those unauthorised colonies, Village abadi area and its extension, which existed on March 31, 2002 as on the February 8, 2007.

''It is clear that the Act will not cover unauthorised colonies which came into existence after March 31, 2002. Moreover, as per Clause 2, the moratorium up to December 31, 2008 has been granted,'' Mr Gupta said.

Mr Gupta said ''the Delhi Laws (Special Provision) Act was enacted on May 19, 2006 which granted moratorium of one year on sealing and demolition of unauthorised colonies, village abadies and its extensions as per Section 3 of the said Act. This moratorium expired on May 18, 2007. After elapse of nearly four months, another Notification was brought by Union Urban Development Ministry on September 15, 2007.

However, this Notification was without any directives whatsoever.

Now, on January 30, 2008, i.e. after lapse of 3-1/2 months, directive the part has been notified.'' The delay in bringing out Notifications caused undue harassment to citizens and traders, since punitive action of sealing and demolition was continued to be taken during this period.'' UNI AR LPB RAI2046