Parliament gives 3-year breather for unauthorised Delhi establishments

NEW DELHI: People in unauthorised colonies in Delhi will not have to live under lurking fear of sealing and demolition of their houses and shops as Parliament today passed a Bill for maintaining a status quo in regard to these areas up to December 2014.

After a brief debate, the Rajya Sabha passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Bill. The Lok Sabha has already passed it.

Winding up the debate, Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath said the government needs three years to come up with a comprehensive plan for development of the National Capital. Till that time, people living in the unauthorised colonies and village settlements should not fear from demolitions.

"People live under fear all the time as to when monitoring teams or demolition squads will come...There are absurdities in our Master Plan which we have today...In next three years we will see a clear, realistic Plan," he said.

One lakh housing units will be constructed by the Delhi Development Authority for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). When asked about the cost of these houses, the Minister said they would be given at "affordable prices."

Status quo will be maintained up to 2014-end with regard to unauthorised colonies including village abadis (settlements) and their extensions, storages, warehouses and godowns for farm produce etc.

Commercial establishments operating illegally in farm houses and other places in nearly 400 rural areas and urbanised villages are expected to get a reprieve.

The Bill was enacted in 2008 after demolitions started in unauthorised commercial and residential areas at the instance of the Supreme Court. It was extended year after year since then.