Bill extending protection for unauthorised construction in Delhi in LS

A bill was introduced in Lok Sabha Monday to provide for extension of time to protect certain forms of "unauthorised developments" from punitive action in Delhi.

The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill, 2014, was introduced by Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu, seeking extension of the existing act of 2011 for three years from Jan 1, 2015.

According to statement of objects and reasons of the bill, "the objective of extension of time is not only to protect certain forms of unauthorised developments from punitive action in National Capital Territory of Delhi but also to provide for opportunity to the government agencies to finalise the norms, policy and guidelines and feasible strategies as well as orderly implementation of the (master) plan".

As per provisions of the existing act, orderly arrangements had to be made for relocation and rehabilitation of slum dwellers and jhuggi-jhopri clusters, regulation of street vendors, regularisation of unauthorised colonies, village abadi areas and their extensions and existing farm houses.

It said orderly arrangements also had to be made for regularise schools, dispensaries, religious and cultural institutions, storages, and warehouses built on agricultural land.

"While progress has been made in evolving the policies, norms and strategies towards implementation of the Act, more time is needed to bring in orderly arrangements keeping in view the current ground realities," the bill states.