Delhi, The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is currently working on finalizing road network plans for three unauthorized colonies in the capital city. In a significant move, these plans aim to pave the way for the regularization of approximately 1,800 unauthorized colonies across Delhi.
Draft plans for the regularization of Khirki Extension in south Delhi, East Azad Nagar in east Delhi, and Saroop Nagar Extension in north Delhi have been prepared with the assistance of the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA). These plans suggest a road widening initiative in the colonies, categorized under 6m, 9m, and 12m roads.
The MCD town planning department has released map plans outlining the proposed road widening, inviting public feedback until January 30. The road widening, intended to be funded by private plot owners in the specified areas, is seen as a crucial step toward the regularization process.
“These three model colonies were selected by the erstwhile North, South, and East MCDs. Layout plans need to be formalized as a precursor to regularize the area. We have kept a minimum road width of 6m to allow emergency vehicles to pass,” stated an unnamed municipal official. The project for these three colonies received funding from the Delhi Development Authority.
The proposed road network plan delineates colony boundaries, existing and proposed roads, along with key amenities like government schools, Delhi Jal Board facilities, and a proposed police station. Every property in the colony has been marked under the road network plan, specifying the number of plots affected by road widening.
While these plans mark a significant step forward, the challenge lies in funding the project. “The question of who will bear the cost for this has been a challenge due to MCD’s financial crisis. We are hoping that the special development fund (SDF) from the urban development ministry will be used for the rest of the unauthorized colonies,” stated an MCD official.
Unauthorised colonies, estimated to house about one-third of Delhi’s population, often lack proper infrastructure and services. The proposed regularization plans aim to address these issues while navigating the financial challenges associated with the project.
