Supreme Court rebukes DDA on Delhi Master Plan 2021 changes
In a severe reprimand to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the changes it proposed to Delhi's Master Plan for 2021. The DDA reforms aimed to protect businessmen from a sealing drive in the city, giving enterprises relief by increasing floor area ratio (FAR). Notably, the DDA is Delhi's land developer and operates under the union government. Here's more.
SC calls DDA Delhi Destruction Authority
Upset over the DDA not responding to its queries on whether it had assessed the environmental damage the proposed changes could cause, the apex court called DDA's recklessness and unaccountability "dadagiri" and rechristened it "Delhi Destruction Authority". Furthermore, the SC slammed DDA for not learning from its past mistakes, buckling under pressure and not being mindful of the interests of the city dwellers.
What changes did DDA want?
According to a report in Hindustan Times, among the suggested changes include: *Running businesses in basements *Standard 350 FAR for shop-cum-residential plots *Rationalized conversion charges *Pubs/outlets serving alcohol in residential areas be moved within six months Monitored under an SC committee, the sealing is being carried out to crackdown on illegal use of commercial/mixed lands, extra floors, balconies and basements.
