New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting at the Delhi Secretariat to review issues concerning colonies located in Delhi’s O-Zone area and assured that no demolition action would be taken against existing constructions in these colonies.
The meeting was attended by south Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, north east Delhi MP Manoj Tiwari and senior officials from Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Officials informed the meeting that around 91 unauthorised colonies and nearly a dozen old villages fall within the O-Zone area and are home to approximately 15 lakh people. The issue has generated concern among residents following notices and signboards installed by authorities in the affected areas.
During the meeting, Gupta sought clarification from senior DDA officials regarding the implementation of the Delhi High Court’s directions. She stated that the court did not make any observations regarding the completed constructions but had expressed concerns about ongoing construction activities. Gupta said that since the court had communicated its position to the DDA, it should act in line with the court’s position.
The chief minister also directed DDA to revise the wording of signboards in O-Zone areas in accordance with the court’s observations to prevent panic among residents. She said she would soon meet Union housing and urban affairs minister Manohar Lal along with elected representatives to discuss the issue.
Addressing a press conference, Bidhuri said the chief minister had clearly conveyed that no demolition would be permitted in the old inhabited areas of villages and the 91 colonies currently falling within the O-Zone. He clarified that the Delhi High Court’s order pertains only to new constructions and urged residents to refrain from fresh construction until a final decision is taken.
Bidhuri said residents had been concerned following the court’s order, but the situation was clearer after the meeting. He added that MPs, led by the chief minister, would meet Union minister Manohar Lal to present the facts and seek relief for residents.
Abhinav Rajput is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India, ...
Read MoreAbhinav Rajput is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India, with extensive experience reporting on Delhi’s political and policy landscape. Covering the Delhi government, BJP, and AAP, he brings clarity and depth to the fast-moving world of capital politics. Whether decoding legislative moves, nuances of governance, policy decisions that shape Delhi, or capturing behind-the-scenes political shifts, he combines sharp reporting with context-driven storytelling that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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