Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath has called for bringing some structural changes within the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), who is responsible building the city’s infrastructure. The authority very often draws criticism for its poor planning and lethargic way of functioning. The minister emphasised on the need to adopt latest technology, a service oriented approach and a futuristic planning vision by the DDA. He said that an increased focus on EWS housing is required to meet the aspirations of all sections of the people of Delhi.
Urging the DDA officials to introspect while having meeting with them in Delhi, Nath said: “It is important for each of you to look inwards and ask yourself – do the people who come to DDA return satisfied, unsatisfied or worse, do they feel harassed. Even more important – why should there be a need to visit DDA?”
He stressed upon need to take advantage of latest technology and compute processes so that people are able to carry out online transactions including online conversion of property from lease hold to free-hold. “The valuable land records of Delhi in the possession of DDA must be digitized and securely maintained,” said Nath.
Referring to ongoing Master Plan review, Nath said it should not be done behind the closed doors of DDA; rather the process must be participatory. “DDA should hold Open House in each of the areas and visit the areas in order to factor in the ground realities. The Planning Wing of DDA should utilize inputs from the 3D Geo-Spatial Project of Delhi Government. The National Institute of Urban Affairs would also be involved in the review of the Master Plan,” Nath said.
The minister said that creating housing for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) should be the most important activity of DDA, who should aim to provide 1 lakh such houses every year.
The major highlight of MPD – 2021 is the land policy, which aims optimise land resources, both in public and private assembly, development and housing. He urged DDA to frame appropriate policies in order to leverage the efficiencies of the private sector.
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