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 on Wednesday 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.
PTI
