Date:28/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/28/stories/2007112857070100.htm

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Nod for unauthorised constructions

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Bill, 2007, which seeks to protect unauthorised constructions — including slum clusters and commercial establishments — from demolition and sealing.

The Bill was passed after withdrawal of a statutory resolution opposing the Ordinance that had been promulgated by the Government to deal with the situation following court orders against certain categories of constructions.

Replying to the discussion, Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy conceded that the Bill was only a temporary measure and assured the House that every effort was being made to provide a lasting solution to the problem confronting the Capital.

The Bill seeks to maintain the status quo in the case of certain categories of unauthorised development so that no punitive action is taken against such constructions till December 31, 2008. These include slum clusters, hawkers and urban street vendors, unauthorised colonies, village ‘abadi’ areas and extensions, existing farm houses involving construction beyond permissible building limits, schools, dispensaries, religious institutions, cultural institutions, warehouses and godowns used for agricultural inputs or produce in rural areas built on agricultural land.

Initiating the discussion, Vijay Kumar Malhotra (BJP) said while his party supported the proposed legislation, it was a piecemeal effort. He alleged that despite tall promises, the government had failed to construct a single dwelling unit for slum dwellers.

Joining issue with the BJP member, Sajjan Kumar (Congress) said it was the NDA government that had failed to prepare the Delhi Master Plan-2021. As for the promised dwelling units, he said the foundation stone for one such complex had been laid in Bawana three months ago and the slum dwellers would be relocated there soon.

Steering clear of Delhi politics, Swadesh Chakraborty (CPI-M) said the problem arose because of large-scale migration to the Capital and would continue as long as metropolitan cities remained islands of development. The situation, according to him, can be addressed only through land reform which will encourage villagers to stay in their villages instead of moving to cities in search of greener pastures.