New Delhi | The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved a comprehensive policy allowing the reconstruction and redevelopment of two-storey dwelling units developed under its older housing schemes, addressing a long-standing demand from residents and elected representatives.
The policy covers individual plots in housing schemes developed under the Master Plan Delhi-1962, including areas such as Naraina Vihar, Green Park and Lajpat Nagar. Many of these properties are more than five decades old and have become structurally deficient, prompting repeated demands for a clear redevelopment framework.
According to DDA, the policy will eventually be extended to other similarly placed housing schemes across Delhi. The move brings built-up two-storey units on individual plots on a par with vacant residential plots, which are already governed by the prevailing development regulations under the current master plan framework.
Redevelopment Subject to Current Building Norms
The reconstruction and redevelopment of these dwelling units will be regulated according to the plot size and prevailing Master Plan provisions. Applicants will also have to comply with structural safety certification, the Unified Building Bye-Laws, applicable Floor Area Ratio (FAR), ground coverage, permissible height and fire-safety requirements.
Property owners seeking redevelopment will be required to pay applicable conversion charges, betterment levy, wherever applicable, and scrutiny fees, based on the size of the plot.
The policy is expected to provide residents of ageing DDA housing schemes with a formal mechanism to replace structurally inadequate buildings while ensuring that redevelopment takes place within the prevailing planning and building regulations.
Building Approval Process to Be Simplified
In another decision aimed at streamlining construction approvals, the DDA has approved amendments to the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) 2016.
The amendments seek to remove the earlier requirement of obtaining no-objection certificates (NOCs) from multiple departments, including the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Delhi Jal Board (DJB), Chief Inspector of Factories and Forest Department, for building permits.
The move is intended to reduce the number of permissions required for building approvals, simplify the regulatory process and improve compliance. The decision comes amid a wider emphasis on deregulation and reducing procedural requirements for obtaining construction-related permissions.
Land Use Changed for Rithala-Kundli Metro Depot
The DDA also approved a change of land use for a 19.6-hectare plot in Narela Sub-City, Zone P-I, to facilitate expansion of the metro network.
The land use has been changed from ‘Recreational’ and ‘Public & Semi-Public’ to ‘Transportation’ for development of a metro depot associated with the Rithala-Kundli Corridor.
The proposed metro extension is expected to improve connectivity for thousands of daily commuters in Narela and adjoining areas, reducing dependence on congested road networks and potentially cutting travel time.
According to the DDA, improved public transport connectivity could also support development in the sub-cities by encouraging investment in residential, hospitality, retail and service sectors and generating employment opportunities. The project is also expected to contribute to lower vehicular emissions by providing a more sustainable alternative to road-based transport.
The approved land-use proposal will be forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for issuance of the final Gazette notification. TOI
Also Read: From Shahjahanabad to the Master Plan: A.K. Jain Reflects on the Evolution of Delhi’s Urban Planning
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