The Hindu : New Delhi News : DDA prepares its own list of tainted officials

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 03, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

DDA prepares its own list of tainted officials

Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

Colluding in illegal activities in the past

NEW DELHI: In tune with the ongoing drive against unauthorised structures in the Capital and officials who helped in their construction, the Delhi Development Authority has prepared a list of its tainted officials who it has found to have colluded in illegal activities in the past.

Based on its records from 2001 to November 2005, DDA has come out with a list of 36 officials from various departments who had been found indulging in unlawful activities. The list has been prepared by DDA in keeping with the general unforgiving mood of the courts against corrupt officials. Though none of the courts had asked for it, DDA thought it wise to compile the list in order to remain prepared for any such demand.

According to DDA Vice-Chairman Dinesh Rai, the violations on DDA-managed properties have already been placed on the website. With almost 16 per cent to 17 per cent of all DDA properties having some kind of violation, many of which can be compounded also, Mr Rai said the same had also been brought to the notice of the Tejinder Khanna Committee which has been constituted by the Centre. "I have held discussions with Mr Khanna and apprised him of the violations pertaining to both the Master Plan and the building bylaws," he said.

Mr Rai also said that DDA is in the process of finalising the Master Plan 2021 and its trying to do so quickly so that it can be placed in the Authority meeting on March 6. "`But if that does not materialise, we will place it before the Authority in maybe another 10 days."

Stating that after the Authority the matter would go the Ministry, he said the suggestions coming in could always be incorporated appropriately. Noting that in the past, there were Master Plan violations as no one expected Delhi to become the fastest growing city in the country, Mr Rai said MPD 2021 has been prepared keeping in mind future needs. "Estimating a population of 2.20 crores in 2021, MPD 2021 has been prepared for a population of 2.30 crores, which is 10 lakhs more than the estimated figure. Also, he said, it envisages an addition of 24 lakh dwelling units, over the 12 lakh constructed by DDA thus far. Of these 40 per cent would be built in the National Capital Region."

But since development in NCR involves participation of other States as well, Mr Rai said DDA has been focussing on development in Delhi and would in this financial year spend spend Rs 1,000 crores on acquisition of land. Also, he said, plots are being given over and above the market rate to the land owners from whom land is being acquired.

Further, with 1,400 acres of its land under encroachment, the Vice-Chairman said DDA is drawing up plans to get it vacated as well.

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