Delhi seeks land for hospitals

New Delhi: Delhi government has sought land at 18 sites in the city given to private firms over 40 years for building hospitals in vain.

In a letter to Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu recently, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain asked that the allotment of 18 sites, estimated to be nearly 50 acres across the national capital, be cancelled.

An official said in the last 40 years, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) had allotted 18 plots to private firms for construction of hospitals, which were to come up in three years of allotment. But no construction has been done till date on these 18 sites.

"DDA is supposed to cancel the lease if construction is not done in stipulated period," Jain said in the letter.

He further requested Naidu to hand over the land to Delhi Government for construction of hospitals and dispensaries.

A senior official confirmed that Delhi government had earlier sent two letters to DDA in this regard.

"This is a clear case of land-hoarding. Precious land is allotted in prime localities of Delhi to non serious players. They are waiting to sell the land. Citizens of the city are deprived of health facilities they deserve," the official said.