New Delhi, April 7 – Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced on Tuesday the regularisation of 1,511 "unauthorised colonies" in Delhi on an "as is, where is" basis, a decision that provides relief to the 45 lakh migrant residents of these colonies, which were built in violation of building regulations over the past three to four decades.
Addressing a joint press briefing with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Lal said that giving a "legal status" to the houses in these unplanned colonies will help their residents avail the benefits offered by the PM Uday Yojana – including loans against property, permission for new construction in accordance with the law, and the initiation of development projects.
The Union Minister said that the existing structures will be recognised, while future constructions must strictly adhere to Municipal Corporation norms.
"To expedite the process, all these colonies have been treated as residential areas," he added.
There are 1,731 unplanned colonies in the national capital.
Of these, 1,511 colonies were declared eligible for regularisation on Tuesday. The remaining ones have failed to meet the criteria as they are either built on non-conforming areas or in green zones such as the Delhi Ridge or riverbeds, or are located close to monuments in violation of archaeological provisions.
The regularisation of "unauthorised colonies" also marks the fulfillment of a major poll promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its election manifesto for Delhi. These colonies are home to more than 10 lakh migrant families, mostly from Purvanchal, Uttarakhand, and other northern states.
Manohar Lal said that at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the formalities for inspection and handing over conveyance deeds to house owners in these colonies have been reduced to a minimum.
"Now, all the formalities will be carried out by the Delhi Revenue Department, reducing the role of the Delhi Development Authority and other agencies," the Union Minister said, adding that the circle rates of the Delhi government will be applicable for documentation in all colonies.
He said that the people of Delhi have faced long-standing urban challenges, many of which remained unresolved due to a lack of coordination between agencies and governments in the past.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to systematic and phased urban reforms for the residents of Delhi.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta thanked Prime Minister Modi for the major relief to residents of these 1,511 colonies.
"The application process will begin from April 24. A seven-day timeline for GIS survey, a 15-day process to address deficiencies in applications, and a 45-day deadline for issuing conveyance deeds have been set," the Chief Minister said.
"The Central government and the Delhi government have together removed 22 major obstacles in this process so that millions of families can receive their due rights without delay, pendency, or hassle. At the same time, small shops up to 20 square metres will also be regularised with conditions, providing relief to small traders as well," she added.
Manohar Lal also elaborated on the proposed Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy close to Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors to increase the stock of housing units in the national capital.
"Under the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy, planned, high-density, and mixed-use development will be promoted in nearly 207 square km of area within a 500-metre radius around Metro and RRTS corridors. This will open the path to affordable housing arrangements, better connectivity, and an easier life, especially serving as a major support for poor and middle-class families," the Chief Minister added.