New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) In a significant move benefiting over 4.5 million migrant residents residing in Delhi's illegal colonies, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal announced the regularization of 1,511 such colonies on an “as is, where is” basis, effectively eliminating the requirement for approved layout plans.

The minister also expressed optimism for over 60 upscale unauthorized colonies, including Sainik Farms and Anant Ram Dairy, indicating that residents would face higher charges for regularization, although the specifics are yet to be determined.

While announcing the historic decision, Manohar Lal emphasized that this day marks a pivotal moment for Delhi's residents, likely providing much-needed relief to those living in colonies established on farmland in violation of building regulations over the last three to four decades, largely due to the scarcity of affordable housing.

He noted that the Central government initiated the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) in 2019 to grant ownership rights to residents; however, progress was hindered by the lack of approved layout plans.

With this new decision, residents are encouraged to register their properties, expediting the process by eliminating the prior need for approved layout plans. This move not only facilitates legal ownership but also empowers citizens to undertake construction or redevelopment of their homes in alignment with civic building regulations.

Manohar Lal stated that these transformative actions are inspired by the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to usher in a new era of planned and inclusive urban development in Delhi, addressing legacy issues while shaping a modern city.

In total, there are 1,731 unplanned colonies in the capital, with 1,511 declared eligible for regularization on the “as is, where is” basis. The remaining colonies did not qualify due to their locations in non-compliant areas or green zones, such as the Delhi Ridge or riverbeds, or proximity to monuments violating archaeological provisions.

This regularization initiative fulfills a major electoral promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party in its Delhi Sankalp Patra. These colonies house over 1 million migrant families, predominantly from Purvanchal, Uttarakhand, and other northern states.

Manohar Lal shared that the 1,511 unauthorized colonies eligible for regularization will be processed without needing approved layout plans. The land use of all property plots will be designated as residential, and convenience shops up to 20 sq. meters will be regularized if they have access to a right of way of 6 meters. For smaller shops of 10 sq. meters, less than 6 meters of access may suffice.

Existing built structures will be regularized on an “as-is where-is” basis, with MCD/local bodies tasked with issuing regularization certificates, surveying vacant plots, and facilitating civic infrastructure development.

The Delhi government's Revenue Department will provide Conveyance Deeds or Authorization Slips to eligible residents. Layout plans will be formulated by an inter-agency cell (DDA, MCD, GNCTD) using satellite imagery, but the absence of these plans will not impede regularization.

This amendment signifies a transition from an ownership-only framework to a comprehensive approach that enables both ownership and regularization of unauthorized colonies, streamlining the process through a unified effort from MCD, DDA, and the Delhi government.

Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the substantial relief granted to residents of the 1,511 colonies.

The application process is set to commence on April 24. A seven-day timeline for conducting a GIS survey, a 15-day process to rectify any application deficiencies, and a 45-day deadline for issuing conveyance deeds have been established, according to the Chief Minister.

“The Central and Delhi governments have collaboratively eliminated 22 major obstacles in this process, ensuring that millions of families can claim their rightful entitlements without delays or complications. Furthermore, small shops of up to 20 square meters will also be regularized under certain conditions, benefiting small traders,” she added.