Cong MPs from Delhi call for halt to demolitions

New Delhi, Apr 3: Expressing concern over the panic caused among the people due to the sealings and demolitions, five Congress MPs of Delhi, including Union Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, today appealed to the Centre to bring an ordinance or introduce a Bill in Parliament to stop forthwith the drive being carried out by the MCD for a period of six months.

''This will not only give relief to the affected people but also give ample time to the authorities to sort out the matter,'' Mr Sibal and four other MPs said while addressing a press conference here.

Mr Sibal said within this period, the authorities will notify the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi and prepare a strategic plan with respect of each zone keeping in mind the needs of the community and the extent of unauthorised constructions.

This will exclude premises, built on public and municipal land and as well as ongoing unauthorised constructions, Mr Sibal said.

''We beleive before carrying out such sealing and demolition drives, it is important to keep in mind that the larger public interest is served,'' Mr Sibal said. ''The interests of the community are paramount and all other interests are subservient,'' he added.

Mr Sibal, who addressed the conference in his capacity as an MP from Chandni Chowk area of Delhi, emphasised that certain issues needed to be made clear to the people before the demolition drive is carried out.

These issues concerned the exact nature of unauthorised construction or use of premises whether residential or commercial, which will be subject to sealing or demolition orders, the date after which all illegal or unlawfully used premises will be targeted and their numbers. There was also the need to clarify whether the adequate administrative machinery was available with the Central, state government or the MCD for carrying out the drive and the requirement for prior notice required before such sealing and demolitions were being made.

UNI