Land acquisition a major challenge

New Delhi: Even as the draft policy of Delhi's fourth Master Plan is in final stages, experts express concern that inadequate funding and land acquisition issues will create hurdles for it.

"We will be putting the final draft of the Master Plan 2021-41 out in the public domain very soon. The Master Plan is a full-fledged document. It starts with what the basic objectives are, the sections are divided accordingly, it defines the development control norms, the implementation framework, it also has a very distinct, clearly spelt out monetary framework in which the KPI have been worked, Manju Paul, Additional Commissioner, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), told Bizz Buzz.

On the possible challenges that might pose as an obstacle for this mega policy to be implemented, Paul said, "Funding is always an issue. Especially when it comes to large scale projects. The other problem is land. How we are going to acquire required for roads widening is a tricky issue. We do see some hurdles in it, but we are optimistic, and we hope we will be able to tackle them," she said.

However, the nature of investments on the capital's Master Plan remains unclear. But the blueprint, according to the experts, comes across as a strategic enabling plan. "These charges will take care of any exigencies which may arrive in case we have to update any infrastructure," Paul added. She is also advisor for Master Plan Development Policy (MPDP) 2021.

Praveen Jain, vice president of realty body Naredco, said that in the Master Plan, special emphasis will be given on green and sustainable development, along with housing and infrastructure to the poor.

"DDA has introduced Grade 1,2 and 3 and this a very high-quality work they have done. With this Master Plan, as a realtor, I need not go for a house, I can make a club, a cyber city, schools. So, while retaining the green character, also what we have done is worked on the pollution part, working on the green plan through the areas of Delhi border areas. And creating an environment should be of very high quality and sustainable. The challenge is how we execute the policy as soon as possible," Jain added

Jain also said that the pandemic has lifted the veil on the housing issues for the migrant workers and economically weaker sections and with Delhi's revamp strategy, the issue on affordable, formal rental housing can be looked into.

"If we look at the census of Delhi, we have not added enough formal housing stock in recent years though lakhs of new people landed in the city. Where they stay is important. They are living in illegal, unauthorized colonies. Every year, government legalizes unauthorized colonies. What we are saying is the more you put in land-pooling policy, green development policy into perspective, it will add to a formal housing stock, not leading to illegal developments. And gives Delhi a name which truly deserves of a very high-quality capital."

Under MPD-2041, the DDA has emphasised on policies such as transit-oriented development (TOD) and land pooling policy of MPDP-2021. DDA has also formulated to regulate infrastructure and other works in villages that are located in the green belt on Delhi's periphery as well as low-density residential areas (LDRA).