Year-long Protection To Delhi's Unauthorised Development

New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) A law imposing 'in larger public interest' a year-long moratorium on demolition or other punitive action against unauthorised construction in the Capital has come into force with its notification in the gazette, the Law and Justice Ministry announced today.

The Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill 2006 was already approved by both the Houses of Parliament and signed by President A P J Abdul Kalam, a Ministry statement said.

Giving its objects and reasons, the Ministry said the National Capital Territory ''attracts'' a large many people-- some five lakh immigrants a year-- from across the country, resulting in huge demand for housing and commercial space.

But, it said, restricted density norms, ''slow pace'' of land acquisition and development, low supply of built-up accommodation and commercial space and ''inadequate enforcement'' have caused a wide gap between demand and supply of shelter and commercial space.

Noting that development in Delhi is governed by a Master Plan notified under the Delhi Development Act, 1957 and provisions of the Unified Building Bye Laws 1983, the Ministry pointed out the Plan was being updated for 2021 to meet the needs of a growing population.

The draft Master Plan 2021 approved by the government was notified by the Delhi Development Authority on March 16, 2005, but its finalisation ''is likely to take some time,'' it said.

Nearly 7,000 suggestions and objections received from the public and other stakeholders ''are being examined by a Board of Inquiry and Hearing.'' The ministry noted that ''in various ongoing matters, the courts have issued directions for immediate action against unauthorised constructions and misuse of premises including demolition and sealing.'' It said considering the extent and magnitude of the problem, the government set up an Expert Committee on February 14, 2006 to suggest a comprehensive strategy to deal with the issue.

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