DDA streamlines connections for PM-UDAY, Lal Dora areas
After the AAP government’s announcement, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday issued new orders, effective immediately, for the provision of electricity connections by discoms (distribution companies) without requiring any NOC from it, following directives from the Lieutenant-Governor.
According to the DDA’s official statement, all development within land pooling areas, as outlined under the Master Plan for Delhi-2021, must strictly follow the guidelines of the 2018 Land Pooling Policy. Unauthorised developments are prohibited, though certain exceptions remain under the Land Pooling Regulations of 2018.
A spokesperson for the DDA confirmed that discoms have now been authorised to issue fresh electricity connections suo motu for constructions within the notified PM-UDAY colonies, Lal Dora and extended Lal Dora areas. The same applies to vacant patches of private land that are completely surrounded by PM-UDAY colonies, but not located at the boundaries of these areas. Additionally, in cases where permanent electricity connections were previously surrendered due to reconstruction, renovation, or change of ownership, discoms can issue new connections suo motu.
“In all these instances, discoms may provide new or renew old electricity connections at their own level without seeking any clarification or NOC from the DDA,” the spokesperson stated.
The move comes after continuous complaints from citizens facing difficulties in securing electricity connections in these areas. The DDA said discussions were held on October 15 with the L-G, resulting in the decision to simplify the process.
The Land Pooling Policy, initially notified in October 2018, aims to promote planned urban development across 105 urbanised villages in Delhi.
The urban extension areas of Delhi, covering 105 villages across Zones J, K-I, L, N, P-I, and P-II, are being developed based on smart city principles, emphasising happiness and livability. Divided into 109 sectors, each averaging 250-350 hectares, the project aims to accommodate 80,000 to 1 lakh people per sector.
The DDA notified a modified Land Policy in 2018 to encourage development in partnership with landowners. The plan covers 200 sq km, envisioning 17 lakh new houses, with 6 lakh reserved for economically weaker sections, accommodating 85 lakh people over the next 20 years.
However, unauthorised developments in these regions had raised concerns about the policy’s implementation.
The DDA said any restrictions on development within these areas, including electricity connections, fall under its jurisdiction, as stipulated in the Delhi Development Act, 1957. As a result, discoms will now operate under the updated protocols without further interference.
The policy
The Land Pooling Policy, initially notified in October 2018, aims to promote planned urban development across 105 urbanised villages in Delhi.
