NEW DELHI: Though there is no sign of the ongoing sealing of illegal shops and demolition of unauthorised constructions in the Capital coming to an end soon, Union Urban Development Minister S. Jaipal Reddy on Sunday said the Centre might approach the courts to seek time to resolve the twin issues. At the same time, he hinted that the option of bringing in an Ordinance in this regard was also open.

Speaking at a function organised to inaugurate two flyovers and an underpass in South-West Delhi, Mr. Reddy asked the affected citizens and traders not to panic as the Union Government was trying to resolve the issue at the earliest. "Efforts will be made to bring in an Ordinance and, if needed, amendment in relevant laws to give relief to the people. The Government might also amend the functioning of the civic bodies so that people have more faith in these institutions,'' he added.

The Union Minister observed that the problems of Delhi had accentuated over the years due to the high influx of migrants to the Capital. Though the court orders were in good spirit, sealing and demolition drives could be carried out only to a certain extent as otherwise it would severely affect normal life in the city, he said. Though the objective of the court order was good, the Centre would apprise the courts about the difficulties the people were facing, he added.

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor B.L. Joshi said the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 was almost complete. More than 7,000 suggestions received from the public were being considered by the committee of experts, he said, adding that the new Master Plan would come up with new features including provision for mixed-land use and public-private partnership in the housing sector and overall development of the city. He also emphasised the need for making building bylaws more flexible as per the need of the people and keeping in mind the present scenario.

Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Union Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken, Outer Delhi MP Sajjan Kumar, MLA and Delhi Development Authority Member Mahabal Mishra and DDA Vice-Chairman Dinesh Rai were present on the occasion.

The three DDA projects inaugurated are a link road with a flyover connecting National Highway-8 with Dwarka Sector-22, a flyover connecting Delhi Cantonment with Pankha Road and an underpass on Palam Road connecting Dwarka with South Delhi.

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