Delhi Organisation Calls for Protest to Demand Urgent Implementation of Land Pooling Policy

The Delhi Dehat Vikas Munch (DDVM) plans a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Sunday. They are urging the swift execution of the Land Pooling Policy (LPP) and the Green Development Area (GDA) Policy. Bhupender Bazad, president of the Delhi Master Plan Committee, has called on the government to announce the Master Plan Delhi 2041 and take decisive actions to implement these policies.

Several political figures, including BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, and Yogender Chandoliya, have shown support for the farmers' demands. The DDVM has also filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, with a hearing set for December 20. The group is pushing for immediate notification of the Master Plan Delhi 2041, which was submitted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to the central government in April 2023 but remains unapproved after over 15 months.

Key Demands and Political Support

The DDVM's demands include notifying approved amendments to the LPP to tackle significant challenges. These include achieving a minimum of 70 per cent developable area in a sector, resolving contiguity issues, and simplifying consortium formation processes. They have also called for changes to the DDA Act, 1957, to address structural issues hindering urban development policy implementation.

Bazad stressed that these steps are crucial for addressing farmers' challenges and promoting urban development in Delhi. He highlighted the necessity of a clear plan with specific deadlines to secure livelihoods for millions and support Delhi's future growth. The DDVM believes these policies are vital for transforming the city's landscape and addressing issues faced by over one crore residents living in unauthorised colonies.

Addressing Urban Challenges

The DDVM stated that these policies are essential for providing basic services to more than 50 lakh people lacking proper sewer connections. Farmers have noted that land prices in Delhi remain disproportionately low at Rs 2 crore per acre compared to Rs 60-80 crore per acre in Gurgaon, just two kilometres away.

To bolster their campaign, the DDVM has committed to mobilising supporters by visiting households and publicly endorsing candidates who back their cause. This effort aims to strengthen their position and push for necessary policy changes.

The DDVM's protest highlights ongoing issues with urban development policies in Delhi. Their demands focus on implementing long-awaited policies and addressing structural challenges. With political support and public mobilisation, they aim to bring attention to these crucial matters affecting millions of residents.