New Delhi: Addressing a long-standing demand from Delhi’s residents and its elected representatives, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Wednesday approved a comprehensive policy enabling the reconstruction and redevelopment of two-storey dwelling units built by it.These complexes were constructed on individual plots under old housing schemes in areas like Naraina Vihar, Green Park, Lajpat Nagar. The plan is to eventually extend the policy across all similarly placed housing schemes in the city.“Developed under Master Plan Delhi-1962, several individual plots under old housing schemes consist of built-up two-storey units on individual plots that are over 50 years old and structurally deficient. These are in dire state and there has been repeated demand to permit their redevelopment,” said a DDA official.While vacant residential plots have clear redevelopment guidelines under MPD 2021 norms, built-up two-storey units hitherto lacked a uniform framework. “Vacant residential plots in old housing schemes are governed by prevailing unified building bye-laws and norms of the current master plan framework rather than obsolete 1962 plan. Built-up two-storey units are now granted redevelopment rights on a par with the vacant plots,” said the official.The reconstruction of these units will be governed by plot size, prevailing MPD provisions, structural safety certifications, compliance with unified building bye-laws, applicable FAR, ground coverage, height norms and fire safety requirements. The public can apply for redevelopment after payment of conversion charges, betterment levy (wherever applicable) and scrutiny fees based on the size of the plots.Further, to simplify the building plan approval process at its plots, DDA has also approved amendments to the Unified Building Bylaws 2016 in a meeting chaired by LG TS Sandhu.It has decided to de-link a prior requirement of requiring a no-objection certificate from multiple departments like DPCC, DJB, chief inspector of factories and forest department for obtaining building permits.With Centre putting an emphasis on deregulation of different policies to simplify the process for obtaining permissions and increase compliance, DDA has decided to reduce the number of permissions required after bringing amendments to UBBL laws.To allow smooth expansion of the metro corridor in Narela and adjoining areas, DDA has approved a change of land use of a plot measuring 19.6 hectares — from ‘recreational’ and ‘public & semi-public’ to ‘transportation’ — for development of the metro depot of Rithala-Kundli Corridor in Narela Sub-City (Zone P-I).“The metro extension is expected to provide seamless connectivity to thousands of daily passengers, who currently rely on congested road networks, and reduce their travel time,” the official said.This improved access is expected to stimulate development in the sub-cities, while also attracting investments in residential, hospitality, retail and services sectors. “In addition, it will create job opportunities. Environmentally, the project will help cut down on vehicular emissions by offering a sustainable alternative to road transport,” the official said, adding that the approved proposal will be sent to the ministry of housing and urban affairs for issuance of the final gazette notification.
