Delhi: 4,000 farmhouses under scanner for violations, might be sealed
Around 4,000 farmhouses in Delhi are set to come under the scanner in the coming week for violation of master plan norms. Recently, the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee fixed a seven-day deadline for civic bodies in the capital to initiate action against farmhouses that don't have sanctioned building plans, completion certifications, and fire no objection certificates (NOCs). Here are the details.
The SC-appointed committee found "large-scale violations" at farmhouses
In an order dated September 20, the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee issued directions to the north and south Delhi municipal corporations to initiate carry out a survey and initiate action against farmhouses that were found to be flouting norms. The committee, after an initial inspection, cited "large-scale violations in respect of misuse and unauthorized construction" at farm houses as the reason for the crack-down.
All farmhouses found violating norms will be sealed immediately
The monitoring committee observed that owners of several farmhouses had constructed AC pandals/shamiyanas for social occasions without the requisite permission. Additionally, the committee also found that several farmhouses were using their basements for commercial purposes, despite not having permission. Consequently, the committee has decided to seal all farmhouses found violating norms immediately after issuing notice. Owners will have 48 hours to explain their transgressions.
Only a handful of sanctioned farmhouses among thousands that exist
There are an estimated 4,000 farmhouses in Delhi, around 2,800 of which in areas like Sainik Farm, Chhatarpur, Asola, Rajokri, Mehrauli etc. fall under the South Delhi Municipal Corporation's (SDMC) jurisdiction. However, according to ToI, senior municipal corporation officials claim that there are only 38 "sanctioned" farm houses under the SDMC's jurisdiction, while there are 35 sanctioned ones under the NDMC.
Civic bodies are required to submit compliance reports next week
The Supreme Court-appointed committee has asked civic bodies to submit compliance reports by September 28. Meanwhile, senior government officials have said that they will start the sealing drive from September 24. If indeed thousands of farmhouses are found to be flouting norms, Delhi is set to see a massive sealing drive very soon.
