Delhi MPs call on Kamal Nath

Amid apprehension that the Capital’s civic agencies might resume the sealing and demolition drive in unauthorised residential as well as commercial establishments, union urban development minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said that there is a need to revisit the Master Plan and if required, make changes keeping in mind people’s aspirations.

Amid apprehension that the Capital’s civic agencies might resume the sealing and demolition drive in unauthorised residential as well as commercial establishments, union urban development minister Kamal Nath on Thursday said that there is a need to revisit the Master Plan and if required, make changes keeping in mind people’s aspirations.

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A key legislation which provided immunity to such properties lapsed on December 31, 2010. “The Master Plan has to be revised keeping the common man’s interests in mind,” Nath told reporters after a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) from Delhi.

“We should not continue with a system where people first pay for construction, then again pay for preventing the demolition. We must end the perpetuation of the system,” he added.

Nath said that the Master Plan is not for inspectors. “It is for the people. So people’s aspirations should reflect in the Master Plan,” he said.

Nath met the seven Delhi MPs on Thursday to discuss various issues concerning unauthorised construction, zonal plans, parking lots and other development-related works in their areas.

“The MPs raised several issues concerning city residents, like mushrooming unauthorised colonies, inadequate parking, shortage of schools,” he said.

Asked if the sealing and demolition drive would be resumed, Nath said, “We are looking at the desirability of extending the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2009.”

The Act had put a cap on the sealing and demolition drive in the Capital for a year. It expired on December 31, 2010.

On a notification issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on January 17 — which added a new clause in the building bye-laws making it mandatory for residents of rural and urbanised areas to get their building plans sanctioned by civic authorities — Nath said, “My attention was drawn to the January 17 notification by the DDA. If necessary, it can be de-notified.”