SC directs govt to find solution for unauthorised colonies

New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) The Supreme Court today tossed the ball back into the court of the government and directed the Centre, Delhi government, DDA and MCD to find a solution to the problem of people living in over 1400 unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat , C K Thakker and Lokeshwar Singh Panta observed,'' It is basically a human problem, it cannot be wished away. So we have to work out and find a feasible solution of the problem.'' The apex court also issued notices to the National Capital Region Planning Board, the Delhi government, DDA and MCD to sit together and find out a way for the harmonious blending of the Master Plan Delhi(MPD) 2021 and Master plan for NCR.

The apex court also directed that a Joint Secretary in the Union Urban Development Ministry shall hold a meeting of the concerned bodies, which will also include Delhi Jal Board to discuss the problem and shall submit a report to the apex court latest by August 10.

The apex court is examining the validity of the MPD 2021, which seeks to protect most of the commercial establishment operating from residential areas in Delhi, without providing adequate infrastructure for basic amenities like water, electricity, roads, hospitals, schools, community centres.

The government has already informed the Supreme Court that it is going to regularise over 1400 unauthorised and unregularised colonies spread all over the national capital, having a population of more than 25 lakh.

The MCD has virtually abandoned sealing operations against the illegal commercial premises in Delhi.

Political parties are opposed to any type of sealing or demolitions in view of the coming Assembly elections in Delhi, which are due to be held later this year.

Today's directions of the apex court clearly indicates that it wants the government agencies to find a solution to the problem of illegal colonies as well as continuance of commercial establishments in residential areas of Delhi.

UNI SC LPB RP GC2121