Amendments proposed to make land pooling mandatory

Union Minister says the changes are aimed at overcoming hurdles faced in execution of the DDA scheme

New Delhi

With the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) facing hurdles in the execution of its land pooling policy, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said amendments to the Delhi Development Act, 1957, have been proposed to speed up its implementation.

Through the proposed amendments, pooling of land for owners who are yet to express their willingness becomes mandatory once the participation rate reaches the minimum threshold of 70%.

Also, an amendment to grant powers to the Central government to declare pooling mandatory — even if the minimum threshold of 70% is not achieved — has been proposed.

Mr. Puri made the announcement at a press meet with Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Ramvir Singh Bidhuri seated beside him.

Asked whether the announcements were made in view of the municipal elections next month, Mr. Puri said the preparations, including stakeholder consultations, had been going on since last year.

According to the land pooling policy, 70% of contiguous land in a sector is required to attain eligibility for the formation of a landowners’ consortium. While the participation of owners has crossed 70% in various sectors, contiguity is yet to be achieved, leading to no development since the policy was notified in 2013.