Use of agricultural land for construction activity: Govt eases norms

NEW DELHI: Lakhs of people living in rural areas in Delhi will benefit as Delhi Government today lifted certain restrictions on use of agricultural land for construction activities.

The government issued a notification today as per a decision taken by Delhi Cabinet on June 15.

As per existing norms under Section 81 of the Land Acquisition Act, no agricultural land could be used for construction of houses and other purposes but lifting of the restriction would pave way for building flats on those land.

"We have issued a notification effecting a cabinet decision," a senior official in the govt said.

"The decision to lift restriction in use of the agricultural land for construction of houses and other purposes under the Section 81 of the Land Reforms Act will benefit 165 villages," he said.

The decisions will help villagers get their properties registered and carry out construction works after approval of building plans from authorities.

The chief minister had earlier issued an order to the revenue department to withdraw all pending cases under section 81 in various courts.

The decision is seen as an effort to woo the people in rural areas ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for November this year.

The Cabinet decided to exempt provisions of Section 81 to areas urbanised by way of notification under Section 507 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.