NEW DELHI: To facilitate public-private participation in real estate development in Delhi, the Union Urban Development Ministry is contemplating a single-window clearance system. This would be part of a policy that would take into account aspects of structural safety while regulating all activities of builders and protecting the interests of the end-users.

According to the Union Minister of State for Urban Development, Ajay Maken, the new Master Plan for Delhi-2021 having laid the foundation for participation by private players in creation of housing stock, the Government has now taken up a two-pronged approach to carry the move forward.

A Real Estate Regulatory Authority Bill is being drafted to regulate all stakeholders. "The Authority would act as a watchdog and protect the interests of the buyers.''

The Authority would also ensure that fly-by-night operators do not enter the scene and the housing needs of the Capital are addressed through reputed and reliable builders.

The Government is also preparing a policy on private participation that would decide on issues pertaining to land pooling as also development of new areas. To meet the needs of Delhi's 2.3-crore population in 2021, about 24 lakh additional housing units would be required of which 60 per cent (14.4 lakh) would come up in new areas and the rest through re-development and up-gradation of existing areas.

The Minister said the policy would also determine the nature of development in different areas like how housing and commercial needs are to be matched. It would also ensure compliance of the social responsibilities of the private players and ensure that the consumers get what they are promised.

The policy would also be meant to keep a watch on basic facilities provided in re-developed and new areas. At places where internal sewage treatment plants are mandatory, it would ensure adherence to the rules.

Most importantly, a single-window clearance system is to be established under which clearances that are obtained from the Delhi Urban Arts Commission, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority would be made available through a simplified singular system. This would facilitate taking up of projects by private players and increase the planned housing stock leading to moderation of rates. Also, with more planned housing, the Minister said, the growth of unplanned areas would naturally get curbed.

However, while the Ministry is in the process of preparing the Bill and the policy, it would be up to the Union Home Ministry to decide on amendments to the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act for allowing the single-window system that would ultimately pave the way for optimum utilisation of available land in the Capital.

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