Delhi’s Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal, has announced the regularization of 1,511 “unauthorised colonies” in the city, benefiting over 45 lakh migrant residents. This move eliminates the need for approved layout plans for these settlements, providing a significant relief to the affected population. The decision also extends to upscale areas like Sainik Farms and Anant Ram Dairy, where residents will face higher charges for regularization.
The regularization initiative is a historic moment for Delhi’s residents, especially those living in unplanned colonies that emerged over the past few decades. These colonies, built on farmlands in violation of building bye-laws, have posed housing challenges for the city’s growing population. The Central government’s Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) scheme, introduced in 2019, aimed to grant ownership rights to residents of such colonies but faced delays due to the absence of approved layout plans.
Manohar Lal emphasized that the decision to regularize colonies on an “as is, where is” basis will encourage residents to register their properties promptly. By removing the requirement for approved layout plans, the process is expected to accelerate, enabling residents to legally own and develop their properties in compliance with civic building regulations. These steps, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signify a new phase of planned urban development in Delhi, addressing long-standing issues while fostering a future-ready city.
