DDA should aim for 1 lakh EWS houses per year: Kamal Nath

Speaking at an interactive meeting of Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officers in Delhi, Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath calls for structural changes in DDA for a futuristic planning vision and increased focus on Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) housing.

He emphasized that to meet the aspiration of people of all sections of the people of Delhi DDA needs to adopt latest technology and a service oriented approach with an aim to provide 1 lakh EWS houses per year.  

He urged the DDA officials to introspect. He 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?

Nath stressed that there is a need to take advantage of latest technology and computerise 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,” he added.

Speaking on the ongoing Master Plan review he said that, “the review of MPD 2021 should not be done behind the closed doors of DDA…the process must be participatory.” He directed that Master Plan review cells headed by officers with appropriate seniority be created.

Names of these officers heading the Review Cells, along with their contact details be published in newspapers. 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. He said that the National Institute of Urban Affairs would also be involved in the review of the Master Plan.

Mr. Nath said that creating housing for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) should be the most important activity of DDA and hence the housing body should aim to provide 1 lakh such houses every year.

He also reminded the officials that a major highlight of MPD – 2021 is the land policy that aims at optimum utilization of available resources, both public and private in land assembly, development and housing. He urged DDA to frame appropriate policies in order to leverage the efficiencies of the private sector.

The meeting was attended by Lt Gen of Delhi Sh. Tejinder Khanna, VC, DDA, Secretary (Urban Development) and many senior official of the Ministry of Urban Development and DDA.