Centre approves regularisation of over 1,500 unauthorised colonies

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) The Union Cabinet today approved regularisation of more than 1,500 unauthorised colonies in the national capital.

The move would provide relief to over 30 lakh people in the city, union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said.

It would benefit people, mostly poor, who had been living in such areas for the past about 30 years, he said.

It was decided that no 'development' charge would be imposed on 80 per cent of such colonies that had come up on private lands. But those who had made such constructions on government lands would have to pay a charge, which would depend upon the ''kind of colony'' and its size, Mr Reddy said.

Those living in unauthorised colonies built on private land had already made payments to farmers from whom such plots were purchased, he added.

He, however, said the cabinet's decision would now have to be placed before the Delhi High Court for its approval and ultimate implementation.

He expressed confidence that the move would stand scrutiny of law as the provision had been included in the Delhi Master Plan 2021, which had been notified by the government late last night.

The cabinet would take up the issue of regularisation of 'affluent' unauthorised colonies of Anantram Dairy, Sainik Farms and Mahendra Enclave later, Mr Reddy said.

''This is because the K K Mathur Committee that had studied their cases submitted its report only recently, and there was not enough time to look into it.'' UNI