DDA struck down proposal for Appu Ghar relocation

The Delhi Development Authority has stalled a proposal for the relocation of Appu Ghar by rejecting a recommendation made by an expert committee to transfer the amusement park to a nearby place.

Documents say the Board of Enquiry and Hearing, set-up by the DDA, had recommended the transfer of Appu Ghar land to the Supreme Court on the condition that an equal area will be provided for a recreational facility in the neighbourhood.

The six-member board had examined public objections against the change in status of the Appu Ghar land. The land transfer required the status of the land to be changed from recreational to official.

The board said on November 17 last year: “Keeping in view the fact that Appu Ghar is a part of the cultural fabric of Delhi and has a symbolic value, its relocation at an appropriate place may be considered.”

The board allowed the change with a rider. “The change of land use may be processed for the government offices subject to considering earmarking equivalent or more area for recreational use and ensure creation of this type of facility in nearby areas,” it said.

However, the DDA in its meeting chaired by Lieutenant-Governor Tejinder Khanna on December 28, rejected the recommendation.

“The Authority decided that change of land use should be approved without laying any pre-conditions and advised that suggestion for creation of a recreational facility be sent to the Urban Development Ministry,” the DDA said in response to the recommendation.