DDA clears land pooling policy, awaits Centre nod

New Delhi: The DDA has cleared  much awaited Land Pooling Policy for Delhi for approval by ministry of housing and urban affairs.

The policy covers urbanisable areas of urban extensions in 95 villages. Formulated with an aim to provide affordable housing in Delhi, the policy is also expected to trigger huge economic, social, and civic development of the city. It is likely to benefit lakhs of farmers while generating immense investment opportunities. The policy was approved in DDA meeting held under the chairmanship of lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal.

Considering the availability of resources and services, FAR (Floor Area Ratio) of 200 is recommended for the development in the Land Pooling Policy by the DDA authority keeping in view availability of water, requirement of land for physical and social infrastructure and impact on environment.

With 200 FAR, the national capital will get 17 lakh dwelling units to house 76 lakh persons. In order to promote affordable and inclusive housing, 15 per cent FAR over and above the permissible FAR has also been allowed for EWS/ affordable housing. “This will go a long way in meeting the goals of Housing for All. Out of the total of 17 lakh dwelling units, more than five lakh dwelling units will be created for the economically weaker sections of the society,” said a senior DDA official. Under the land pooling policy, agencies will develop infrastructure like roads, schools, hospitals, community centres and stadia on part of the pooled land, and return a portion of the plot to farmers who can later execute housing projects with the help of private builders.The DDA will act as a facilitator and planner and the process of pooling and development will be taken up by developer entities or consortiums.

“Land owners having land of any size can participate under the land pooling policy. However, the minimum area to be taken up for development would be two hectares. A developer entity or individual can participate in the scheme by pooling land parcels covered under a sector as per Zonal Development Plan,” he added.

Keeping in line with the goal of ‘Ease of Doing Business’ Single Window System is being created for implementation of policy in DDA. All processes of receiving applications, verifications, grant of approvals and licenses, etc. will be completed in a time bound manner. A two-stage Grievance Redressal Mechanism within DDA has been introduced for transparent and people friendly   operationalization and implementation of the policy.