DDA changes land use norms for construction of UID headquarters
JIBY KATTAKAYAM
The Delhi Development Authority at its meeting on Tuesday approved changes in land use that will facilitate the construction of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) headquarters at Bangla Sahib Road and an International Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan. The DDA also approved the continuance of seven temporary cinemas while making a modification in the 2021 Delhi Master Plan (MPD-2021).
The UIDAI had requested DDA for change of land use of a plot near Gurudwara Bangla Sahib measuring 4447.49 sq. mts. This was examined by the Technical Committee and as recommended by the Technical Committee, the proposal was placed before the Authority for consideration and for further processing under Section 11A of DD Act. The change of land use will facilitate increase in FAR.
For the International Convention Centre, the DDA approved the change of land use for an area measuring 49.98 hectares at Pragati Maidan in planning zone ‘D’ from recreational district park to public and semi-public facilities. The change of land use had been processed on the recommendations of Ministry of Commerce. The DDA said that though it invited objections/suggestions, none were received and therefore, the proposal was placed before the Authority for approval.
The seven temporary cinemas had non-conforming land and have been continuing on a license basis for the past many years at various locations. The 2001 Master Plan had a provision for temporary cinemas which was discontinued in MPD-2021 as cinema became a commercial activity allowed only in District and Community Centres. The DDA had deliberated and approved their continuance in a meeting held in October 2012. Thereafter a public notice was issued for objections and suggestions and a total of 39 objections/ suggestions were received. A Board of Enquiry hearing held on February 22 made some recommendations on the basis of which the Authority approved modification in Chapter 17 of MPD-2021 to facilitate the continuation of the temporary cinemas.
As per these modifications new temporary cinemas will not be allowed but the already existing temporary cinemas can continue on permanent basis subject to a seating capacity of 300 seats and parking requirements of 3 ECS (equivalent car space) per 100 square metres of built up space. The FAR allowed is 100 subject to a maximum of 3,000 sq. mts.
Several land use modifications were also made in Zone M and N in areas in and around Bawana. The modifications will ensure that several development projects can be undertaken in Outer Delhi. The changes in land use will help in creation of new district parks, commercial centres, transportation facilities and setting up of utilities like electricity substations.