Sainik Farms demolitions: Delhi's unauthorised colonies and the plan to regularise them
After the recent demolition drive in South Delhi's Sainik Farms area, there is renewed attention on unauthorised colonies in the national capital and the government's plan to grant ownership rights, with the Delhi Development Authority planning further action in such posh areas.
What are unauthorised colonies?
Unauthorised colonies are residential areas that have come up on land not approved for residential use under Delhi 's Master Plan. These colonies lack basic infrastructure and have been developed without necessary permissions, often on agricultural or government land. Residents typically possess general power of attorney or sale agreements, which are not legal ownership documents.
How many unauthorised colonies are there?
There are 1,800 unauthorised colonies in the city, housing around 50 lakh people spanning over 175 sq km (approximately 43,000 acres).
What is PM-UDAY?
The Pradhan Mantri–Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) was launched in October 2019 by the central government to confer ownership rights to residents. The DDA is the nodal agency for implementation. Eligible residents have to submit proof of residence and pay a one-time registration charge based on the size and location of the property.
Which colonies are included?
Of the 1,800 colonies, 1,731 have been identified for regularisation under the PM-UDAY. However, colonies such as Sainik Farms, Mahendru Enclave, and Anant Ram Dairy were excluded based on criteria including land use violations and affluence.
In March, the Delhi High Court, while hearing a petition seeking regularisation of Sainik Farms, pulled up the central government for not deciding on the issue and said the Centre and the Delhi government should iron out the regularisation issue.
In February, South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri raised in Parliament the issue of regularising Sainik Farms and 68 other such colonies to provide ownership rights and civic amenities.
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