Consultative Committee of Urban Development Ministry Meets Working of Delhi Development Authority Reviewed

Union Urban Development Minister, Shri Kamal Nath has said that Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will build 1 lakh houses a year for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of society. He said about 40 lakh people in Delhi live in unauthorized colonies and to prevent further growth of slum clusters in Delhi, the Government regularized these 917 unauthorized colonies this financial year. Shri Kamal Nath was speaking at the Consultative Committee Meeting attached to the Ministry of Urban Development in New Delhi yesterday.

The Minister said that Delhi cannot expand towards its borders, hence it has to grow vertically. So land use pattern is very important and has to be judicious, he added. Referring to Delhi Master Plan 2021, he said it has to be a dynamic document and must be reviewed periodically. A mid-term review for the current Master Plan was done recently. So far, 4300 suggestions have been received, he said.

Referring to various activities of DDA, he said work for bio-diversity parks and metro-side transit oriented development work have already started. Shri Nath further stated that efforts are being made to integrate other modes of urban transport with the metro to provide the commuters a hassle-free journey.

Members, while appreciating the work being done by DDA said it need to focus on certain other areas, especially for earning revenues. Giving specific examples one member said DDA can build and give on rent baraat ghars. Similarly, DDA can also build barracks and hutments for migrated labours in Delhi so that urban slums are not created.

Minister of State for Urban Development, Smt. Deepa Dasmunsi, Secretary, Urban Development, Dr. Sudhir Krishna, Addl. Secretary and Vice-Chairman of DDA, Shri D. Dipti Vilasa were also present among others.

MG/sk