Master Plan of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has the provision for the conservation of heritage by identifying heritage zones and archaeological parks, stated Kaushal Kishore, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Informing the Lok Sabha in a written reply, the ministry shared its initiatives undertaken for the Urbanised villages in Delhi, in cooperation with the DDA and the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
DDA informed that it undertakes the development of Urban villages that are stated as ‘Development Areas’ under Section 12 of the Delhi Development Act, 1957. The DDA works with the voluntary participation of landowners by pooling their lands as per prevailing norms.
Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
Similarly, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) stated that it undertakes development works like the improvement of roads, stormwater drainage, maintenance of parks, street lights, etc. in the urban villages under its jurisdiction. It further underlined that during the current Financial Year 2023-24, Rs 3,500/- lakhs has been allocated under the Non-Plan head of Account for the works to be executed in such urbanized villages.
Delhi Cantonment Board
Delhi Cantonment Board also informed that development works including the creation of recreational facilities such as parks, open gyms, schools, roads, drains, sewerage systems, water infrastructure, community halls etc. have already been provided by them.
Delhi’s rural area and population
According to the 2011 census, about 24.9 per cent of Delhi’s area, around 369 sq. km was classified as rural. While about 97.5 per cent of Delhi’s population lived in urban areas.