Approved Slums of Delhi
Though these ‘unauthorized approved colonies’ are in Delhi, unlike
DDA’S well-planned colonies, they have
their own world; no master plan is applicable; no SC or NGT rulings
matter
By Mukesh Sharma
With over 895 unauthorized colonies scattered through the
length and breadth of this sprawling Delhi where DDA/MCD rules seldom matter,
and the proud owners of so-called residential structures ranging from 25 sq yds
to 250 sq yds erected in zigzag dingy lanes with varying width from 4ft to
15ft., are approved slums in Delhi; and the proud house owners are the slum
lords.
Reasons for growth
Though a few colonies are as old as 40-50 years, the most of
colonies have mushroomed in the last 15-20 years. The reason of the growth of
such colonies is steeped in corruption. As per available datas, there were approx.
209 villages in Delhi. Then authorities
concerned handed over the adjoining lands for agriculture purpose to villagers centuries ago. With the course of time, these farmers stopped cultivation.
Furthermore, such lands were acquired by DDA for planned residential colonies
in order to meet the demand of ever increasing population. However, some lands
couldn’t be developed for a long time for the reasons best known to the authorities.
These abandoned parts of land were re-sold by the land owners illegally. Later
the land which were not acquired, were also sold out by the paper owners.
Furthermore, woken up after decades, the authorities concerned could not remove
such unauthorized constructions for political and other reasons. Such colonies
fall under the category of PRIVATE COLONIES.
Unique features
Though the most of such colonies are unauthorized, some 40-50
years old colonies have been surprisingly, re-categorized with the well-coined
nomenclature “unauthorized approved
colonies”. Such colonies have unique features.
No conveyance deed
Taking advantage of the ignorance of unsuspecting buyers,
the ‘ownership’ of the plot/flat is transferred through notarized GPA (General
Power of Attorney) – not a valid conveyancing instrument. Thus stamp duty/taxes are evaded comfortably – no mutation,
no registered sale deed.
Construction on Khadar Land
What is more, unmindful of consequences and,
allegedly, in collusion with the local authorities so called owners erect 4 storey structures even in 5-10ft.
narrow lanes. Needless to say, in the event of any fire incident or any
unforeseen natural calamity, no help can reach the trapped victims. The
situation of the most of colonies standing on ‘khadar’ land nearby Yamuna river is very vulnerable where
foundation is laid on loose sand. But who cares? Authorities get wiser only
after the event in India. So rampant unauthorized constructions are going on for
the reasons best known to all.
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| Approved Slums of Delhi |
Sewer and water lines
Yet another catching feature of these unauthorized approved
colonies, is sewer and water line run parallel in all the streets/lanes. When
water pumps are used to draw water from main line to fill the overhead water
tanks placed on the rooftops of 4 storey houses, it sucks the dirty water from
ever full and seeping sewer line. Interestingly enough, nobody cares for the
rules/ by laws. What is more, to replenish the water supply to overhead tanks,
in the event of non-supply of tap water, the people use submersible pumps to
extract water from earth with scant regard of NGT rulings - there is provision of 50k penalty for
unauthorized pumps. In fact it is common knowledge that no construction is possible without the soil water. So almost all the houses have submersible pumps with 'good' understanding with local police.
Flowing nullah
As far as the drains running through the street line of each serpentine
lanes are concerned, it mostly remains choked. It is not easy for the MCD workers to
take out the muck and clean it. So they just sweep the streets as they wish and
enjoy the salary without doing the required work. As a result, during rainy
season, the waterlogged streets look like a flowing nullah. Furthermore, it is ‘customary’ in such colonies that the
proud house owners stick out the ramp at the exit gate of their houses to nearly
the middle of the narrow street; they take pride and pleasure in causing the
inconvenience to immediate neighbors and passersby.
Stray dogs and
pigeons
There is no park or any recreation centre in these colonies. But each such colony does
have a religious place according to the majority of populace, and these places
are,allegedly, used for meeting and other non-religious activities. Such colonies are also 'sweet home' for stray dogs, for, they are permanent residents by birth. Even MCD respects their birth right. These dogs are unchallenged rulers of each street. And flock of pigeons reigns the roof tops of each house. These colonies are ideal place where the man and animals live happily.
No master plan
applicable
Since the much touted master plan is not applicable to these colonies of
‘special status’, they are the favorite hunting ground for running any kind of
business; one can run government approved primary or secondary school, any
factory or any other business even in narrow lane, if one is prepared to pay for convenience.
Vote bank
Braving all the pertinent problems, the slums lords (house
owners) who live by rental income, continue to enjoy inhibited life. It is
alleged that these colonies are veritable vote banks of the netas; authorities
concerned continue to maintain the status-quo.
Though these unauthorized approved colonies are in Delhi, unlike DDA’s well
planned colonies, they have their own world; no master plan is applicable; no
SC or NGT rulings matters.
