Delhi Chief Minister Atishi announced on Wednesday that residents of 1,731 unauthorised colonies will no longer require ‘no objection certificates’ (NOCs) from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to secure power connections and install electricity meters. This move aims to streamline the process for residents of these colonies, offering relief to those who have faced delays in obtaining electricity connections due to the previous NOC requirement.
At a press conference, Atishi stated that power distribution companies (DISCOMs) have been instructed to provide electricity connections in these unauthorised colonies without needing NOCs from the DDA. Previously, the certificate was required to ensure that the property in the unauthorised colony was not part of the DDA’s land pooling policy. This often led to bureaucratic hurdles for residents seeking basic utilities like electricity.
The DDA’s recent decision to simplify the process comes as part of its broader policy reforms. Earlier this month, the DDA permitted DISCOMs to issue new electricity connections to four categories of areas, including urbanised villages and colonies regularised by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), without referring cases to the authority. This change applies to all lands where the DDA or any other government agency has previously issued an NOC or where development plans have been approved by a government agency.
This step is expected to benefit thousands of residents living in unauthorised colonies, many of whom have faced power shortages and issues with regularising connections for years. It will also make it easier for these areas to access reliable electricity services, further improving living conditions.
The move reflects the government’s commitment to providing basic services and utilities to all citizens, regardless of the status of their housing or land ownership, and helps address a longstanding issue faced by residents of unauthorised colonies in Delhi.
