Delhi Development Authority Greenlights Major Budget and Urbanization Plans
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has taken significant strides in urban planning by approving a substantial budget of Rs 14,962 crore for the financial year 2026-27. This decision, made during a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on Friday, marks the third consecutive year that the authority has registered a revenue surplus, which stands at an impressive Rs 2,112 crore as of February 18.
Urbanization of 48 Villages to Bridge Infrastructure Gaps
In a landmark move, the DDA has approved the urbanization of 48 villages currently categorized as rural. Delhi comprises 357 villages, with 309 already urbanized. The remaining 48, identified by the Delhi government's land and building department, are situated near urban areas but remain governed by agricultural land-use norms under the Delhi Land Reforms Act.
Officials highlighted that development in these villages has been time-consuming due to the need for land-use changes and approvals from the revenue department. The authority will now request the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to declare these villages urban under Section 507 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. This alignment with newly constituted revenue sub-divisions and districts will enable these areas to benefit from policies such as land pooling, green area development, regeneration of planned and unplanned areas, and transit-oriented development.
New Advertisement Policy to Boost Revenue Streams
To strengthen its financial position, the DDA has approved a comprehensive advertisement policy for its extensive land parcels and properties. This policy will operate in sync with the Delhi Outdoor Advertising Policy (OAP) of 2017, which places the regulation of advertisements in public view under the MCD's domain.
Officials revealed that the DDA plans to adopt a revenue-sharing model similar to other agencies like the metro and railways. However, advertisements displayed within DDA parks and complexes will not require revenue sharing. This strategic move aims to leverage the authority's vast properties, including parks, sports complexes, golf courses, and vacant land, to generate additional income.
Land Allotment for Atal Canteens and Gram Sabha Properties
The authority has also approved the allotment of vacant land for Atal Canteens, which will be leased to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board at a token rate of Re 1 per year for up to nine years. Additionally, built-up gram sabha properties in urbanized villages will be allotted to departments and civic bodies on a license basis under an "as is where is" arrangement, in line with the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan.
Relaxations for Universities in Narela Education Hub
In a boost to higher education, the DDA has approved relaxations in premium and interest on delayed payments for land allotted to seven government universities in the Narela sub-city. This proposal will be forwarded to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final approval, aiming to support the development of Narela as an educational hub.
The DDA's latest decisions reflect a concerted effort to enhance urban infrastructure, streamline revenue generation, and promote sustainable development across Delhi. With these initiatives, the authority aims to address long-standing challenges and foster growth in both rural and urban sectors.
