Regularization of unauthorized Okhla on the cards?

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Many unauthorized colonies, including Okhla, may get recognition soon. The Delhi government has instructed the Municipal Cooperation of Delhi (MCD) to finalize layout plans of unauthorized colonies. This has been confirmed by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in her opening address at the Delhi Secretariat on February 8. She said: “The government has directed the MCD to expedite this matter to enable the city government to fulfil the aspirations of millions of people who are putting up in unauthorized colonies. The government has geared up its resources for providing basic civic amenities in such colonies. All unauthorized colonies needs to be provided development on the lines of well-developed authorized colonies in the Capital city.”    

However, local MLA Md Asif Khan is not optimistic. He told OKHLA TIMES: “I don’t find anything new in the CM’s statement. It may take two years for things to materialize. It is too early to say anything. I think even some people in MCD have no idea how to proceed.”

Also the CM pointed out that the city government is keen to provide a helping hand to different strata of the society including destitute. “Their uplift is our priority. The government is in process of finalizing allotment procedure of low-cost houses for EWS category,” she said. Recent OKHLA TIMES had reported that the government intends to allot between 15,000-20,000 such houses by year end. “The JJ cluster dwellers will also have a roof on their heads apart from having a respectable postal address in the Capital city,” she said.  

All said the CM also underlined the importance of an equitable drinking water distribution system in the Capital city. “Drinking water is a bare necessity for the survival of mankind.  The current requirement of potable water in Delhi is estimated at around 950 MGD.  The government has been able to meet the present requirement from its available sources and through tie-ups with the neighbouring states.  Management of water and planning for future requirements is an utmost priority,” she said, adding that the government is committed to ensure equitable distribution of drinking water to provide water supply in all those parts of the Capital city which are still deprived of this.