The Hindu : Front Page : PM orders a new look at illegal constructions

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Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006

Front Page

Front Page

PM orders a new look at illegal constructions

Staff Reporter

High-power committee to suggest "practical measures" to end uncertainty caused by demolitions

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit coming out of the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday after the meeting convened by Dr. Manmohan Singh.

NEW DELHI: Ruling out any immediate bailout package to deal with the ongoing demolition of illegal and unauthorised properties here in the Capital, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday directed the Union Urban Development Ministry to set up a high-power committee to study the issue of violations in various categories and suggest "practical measures" through an amnesty scheme or changes to be made in the building by-laws.

No Ordinance

At the same time, the Union Government completely ruled out the possibility of issuing an Ordinance to deal with the ongoing demolition drive being carried out under the directions of the Delhi High Court.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had written to Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy to issue an Ordinance to end the current phase of uncertainty. Mr. Singh had convened the meeting to discuss the situation arising out of the issue of demolitions in the Capital. Apart from Mr. Reddy, also present at the meeting were Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Ms. Dikshit.

`Uncertainty should end'

Emerging from the hour-long meeting held at the Prime Minister's residence, Mr. Reddy said the Prime Minister was of the view that the current phase of uncertainty should end.

"After a detailed discussion and analysis of the situation it was decided that the Centre would constitute a high-power committee of eminent people, experts and representatives from both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party to look into various violations that have taken place in the Capital in various categories during the past many years.

The committee would be asked to look into all aspects of violations and come out with a practical solution on the matter," he added.

Mr. Reddy said the notification for constitution of the committee would be issued within a few days after due consultations. The committee would be asked to submit its report within three months.

No clubbing

Stating that all building and land law violations could not be clubbed together indiscriminately, Mr. Reddy advised the MCD to focus on "grave violations".

Describing encroachments on public land as a "serious violation'' compared to "minor violations by lakhs of residents", Mr. Reddy said the MCD should concentrate on ongoing illegal constructions.

Action plan

At the same time, he said the MCD would be directed to file an action plan with the High Court and seek necessary directions.

However, the Minister parried questions on whether the MCD would stop demolition of private properties or in the rural Lal Dora area till the committee submits its report.

"What has happened over the last 15 to 20 years cannot be set right overnight. It is a daunting task for which things are being worked out,'' said Mr. Reddy.

Ulhasnagar legislation

On Ms. Dikshit's demand for an Ordinance on the lines of legislation for Ulhasnagar in Maharashtra, the Union Minister said the objective behind such a measure was to provide relief to the people.

"The measures in the mind of the Ministry are also aimed at that. It is not possible to bring an Ordinance at this stage as Parliament has already been convened,'' he added.

MCD trifurcation

It is learnt that the much- talked about issue of MCD trifurcation was also raked up by Ms. Dikshit during the meeting. However, it was felt that any breaking up of the civic body was more of a political than an administrative decision and this forum was not the right place to decide on such an important issue.

The matter should be left to political leadership and elected representatives, it was decided.

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