MCD Advances Drone Surveys for Unauthorised Colonies Under PM-UDAY Scheme
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has successfully completed drone surveys in 150 out of the 1,511 unauthorised colonies that are eligible for regularisation under the Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY). The civic body aims to finalise the entire survey exercise within the next 15 days, with ongoing operations currently active at multiple locations across the city.
Portal Activation and Registration Timeline
In a significant development, MCD has activated its SWAGAM portal, with registration for eligible residents scheduled to commence from April 24. This digital platform is designed to streamline the application process for ownership rights, marking a crucial step forward in the regularisation initiative.
Survey Objectives and Methodology
An MCD official explained that following the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs' decision to regularise houses in these colonies on an 'as-is, where-is' basis, drone surveys are being conducted to capture detailed information on existing vertical and horizontal constructions. "This will facilitate the grant of ownership rights. Colony boundaries are also being mapped," the official stated, adding that the exercise is likely to be completed within two to three weeks.
The survey is being carried out by the Survey of India, the national mapping agency under the Department of Science and Technology. Officials emphasised that this exercise is critical to prevent unauthorised expansion beyond permissible norms and building bylaws, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Land Ownership and Verification Processes
Unauthorised colonies in Delhi have developed on both government and private land. For government-owned land, conveyance deeds will be required from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), while ownership of private land will be verified by the Delhi government's revenue department through authorisation slips. As of March 31, approximately 40,000 conveyance deeds and authorisation slips have been issued by the DDA, indicating substantial progress in the documentation phase.
Building Plan Regularisation and Architect Involvement
Eligible applicants can approach MCD through around 700 empanelled architects for building plan regularisation. "The process is similar to the Saral Scheme, where smaller plots are approved based on architect-submitted plans. However, construction must adhere to a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 350, beyond which additional charges will apply. Drone surveys will help streamline approvals," a senior official added. This approach aims to balance regulatory compliance with practical implementation, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for residents.
Political and Social Implications
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva highlighted the move's significance, noting that it recognises the challenge of regularising densely populated colonies without resorting to large-scale demolition. "By allowing regularisation, the Prime Minister has provided significant relief to lakhs of families," he remarked, underscoring the scheme's potential to improve living conditions and provide legal security to residents.
Future Survey Plans and Coordination
A drone survey will be conducted at regular intervals to monitor compliance and changes. Approximately 200 square kilometres of these colonies will be surveyed, covering a vast area to ensure comprehensive data collection. A coordination meeting with Survey of India officials was held on Thursday to align efforts and expedite the process, demonstrating MCD's commitment to efficient execution.
This initiative represents a major step in urban governance, aiming to integrate unauthorised colonies into Delhi's formal infrastructure while addressing long-standing issues of land ownership and housing rights.
