Delhi, the capital of India, not just presents an opportunity, but also a tremendous challenge to the urban planners & administrators.
The projected population of Delhi is >30 million (approx.) by 2041. As per the census of 2011, the density of population has increased to 11,320 person per sq. km from 6352 people per sq. km in 1991.
Delhi is highly urbanized with more than 97% population living in urban areas. With the implementation of MPD2041, Delhi would be the only state in the country which would be 100% urbanized.
The last 2 large scale land acquisition and township development undertaken by DDA were in Dwarka & Rohini, which are already habited.
With the change in laws, urban needs & capital requirement, government agencies progressively realize that they neither have the ability to acquire such large parcels, nor develop housing & commercial spaces to accommodate the population surge. Hence, the need for a participatory approach proposed under MPD2021.
Under the land pooling policy of Delhi, ‘owners or groups of owners will pool land parcels for development as per prescribed norms and guidelines, making them partners in the development process’.
In principle, it’s a new paradigm and makes the Private sector a partner in large scale assembly and development of of Infrastructure. But the challenge would be in the implementation. Regulations and the constructive role of DDA would be critical. Sadly, historical evidence doesn’t point towards an efficient DDA.
Some of the very basic questions that people ask us are :
- Can I own 50 acres and develop my own land with no dependence on others?
- Are there fixed timelines?
- Can foreign companies buy land in MPD2041?
- Can Nonresident Indians participate in Land pooling?
- What is the DLR act 1954? How is it detrimental?
- What if there’s an existing farmhouse?
- What are the licensing norms? What are the charges?
- How about litigation? How would DDA help?
- Which zone or sector should I invest?
These are some of the questions which repeatedly confront prospective investors who intend to buy land in Delhi, and more specifically villages under Land pooling policy. Sadly, there are no clear cut answers or assurances from the regulatory authorities
Hope is not lost. A team of professionals comprising on Private sector urbanization experts, Investment bankers and retired planners from Govt. bodies have formed a Consortium to assist landowners. They connect with people on the field, revenue officials and landowners to assist in successful monetization of land assets, as well as create sectoral plans, Infrastructure layouts and other mandatory plans, as per the master plan of Delhi. More importantly, they undertake complete due-diligence on the opportunity before presenting it to you.
Not just Delhi, Land pooling would turn out to be the guiding principle for development of many more ‘smart & sustainable’ cities, sectors and business zones across India. The domain experts and partners within Delhi Consortiums would work with the stakeholders towards facilitation of such developments.
It would be interesting to see how the Policy makers and Landowners tackle the problem. For help with Consortium formation and planning, help is always available.
