MPD to facilitate work in 1,575 unauthorised colonies in Delhi

The long-awaited Master Plan for Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041) is set to lay the planning framework for the redevelopment of 1,575 unauthorised colonies that the Centre recently decided to regularise on an “as is, where is” basis, paving the way for long-delayed civic infrastructure projects in areas that have remained outside Delhi’s planned development framework, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday

The long-awaited Master Plan for Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041) is set to lay the planning framework for the redevelopment of 1,575 unauthorised colonies that the Centre recently decided to regularise on an “as is, where is” basis, paving the way for long-delayed civic infrastructure projects in areas that have remained outside Delhi’s planned development framework, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.

The provisions follow the Centre’s April decision to regularise 1,575 unauthorised colonies, benefiting an estimated 4.5 million residents.

The MPD-2041, awaiting notification for nearly five years, is expected to be notified within a month after completion of the final approval process, officials said. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) prepared the draft in 2021 and approved it in February 2023 before forwarding it to the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), where its notification has since remained pending.

Officials, requesting anonymity, said MPD-2041 has been revised substantially since the draft was placed in the public domain and now contains provisions enabling redevelopment of the newly regularised colonies once their layout plans receive statutory approval.

“Once the layouts are approved, agencies will be able to undertake planned redevelopment works in these colonies. The focus will be on providing essential civic infrastructure in accordance with the planning framework under MPD-2041 while also ensuring safety. Several changes have been incorporated since the draft was released, and the Centre is ready to notify it,” a senior government official said.

Officials said approval of layout plans will be the critical first step before engineering departments can begin infrastructure works. Many of these colonies currently lack underground sewerage networks, stormwater drains, reliable water supply systems and roads wide enough for emergency vehicles and municipal services.

Once the layouts are cleared, agencies are expected to undertake construction of drainage networks, laying of sewer lines, augmentation of water supply systems and road widening, among other civic works.

Simultaneously, officials explained that the government is pursuing slum rehabilitation projects in several localities, where existing clusters are proposed to be redeveloped into high-rise townships equipped with common facilities such as schools, dispensaries, parks and charging stations for e-rickshaws.

MPD-2041 is envisaged as Delhi’s statutory planning document for the next two decades, replacing the existing Master Plan 2021. Besides unauthorised colonies, it focuses on planned redevelopment, sustainability, transit-oriented development, land pooling, improved housing and infrastructure, and integrating informal settlements into the city’s broader planning framework. It also proposes regeneration strategies for unplanned neighbourhoods to improve access to essential services and public amenities.

Officials said implementation will require coordination among multiple agencies, including the DDA, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Jal Board and Public Works Department, once the master plan comes into force and layouts receive statutory approvals.

“The objective is to move beyond regularisation and facilitate planned redevelopment with proper civic services. The Master Plan will provide the enabling framework for agencies to carry out these works in a coordinated manner,” another official said.