North Delhi civic body proposes no demolition in unauthorised colonies till 2020

During a standing committee meeting, the civic body approved a proposal to extend provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act from December 2017 to 2020.

In what could spell relief to thousands of residents of unauthorised colonies, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has proposed to protect them from punitive action, including demolition drives, till December 2020.

During a standing committee meeting, the civic body approved a proposal to extend provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act from December 2017 to 2020.

During a standing committee meeting, the civic body approved a proposal to extend provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act from December 2017 to 2020.

The Act, which was first notified in 2006 to safeguard unauthorised constructions from punitive action, is extended from time to time. The Act was last extended in 2014.

The proposal to extend the Act again will be sent to the union urban development ministry as a recommendation.

A member of the standing committee said the existing act will expire after December 2017 and lead to irreparable loss to thousands of people in unauthorised colonies as demolition drives could begin soon after.

“To minimise the loss, we have proposed to increase the timeline of the Special Act to December 2020. Also, all constructions done till 2016 in unauthorised colonies should come in the ambit of the Act,” said Tilak Raj Kataria, standing committee chairman, North DMC.

“Since the Centre will take a final decision on the extension of Special Act, based on the recommendation received from local bodies and other agencies, we have decided to send them our recommendation as well ,” said Jai Prakash, councillor from Sadar Bazar, who moved the proposal.

According to the existing Act, the government has to make proper arrangements to regularise unauthorised colonies, villages in municipal limits, their extensions and existing farmhouses.

“Till the time these arrangements are made, it is important to safeguard the interest of people living in unauthorised colonies,” said Jayendra Dabas, leader of house, North DMC.