Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has set a new deadline of December this year for completion of flats developed under its first in situ slum redevelopment project at Kathputli Colony. The construction work in some towers is either completed or on the verge of completion, officials said.
“Besides completing the construction work, the concessionaire needs to obtain an NoC for fire safety and get other mandatory clearances. These flats, which are in multi-storey buildings, can be allotted only after everything is in place, such as electricity and water supply connection,” said a DDA official.
After the construction work is completed, a computerised draw of lots will be done and DDA will send a demand letter to the allottees asking them to submit Rs 1.25 lakh as symbolic amount. “We are expecting the concessionaire to provide the first lot of 700 flats on priority and soon after that, the allocation process will start,” said the official.
The one-bedroom flats are being developed on a public-private partnership basis and in 2022, the authority decided to hand over the first batch of 700 flats by September but couldn’t meet the deadline. “There were some disputes over the payment, so progress on the project had slowed down. Now, the project has picked up the pace. While the eligibility of beneficiaries was verified long back, those living in slums and willing to shift to DDA flats in Narela have been allotted accommodations provisionally,” said the official.
The tender inquiry for the project was floated in 2008 and work was awarded to Raheja Developers in August 2009. As part of the redevelopment project, 2,800 flats in 14-storey towers have to be given to slum dwellers who were living in the area for nearly 40 years. The average size of each flat is 37 sq metre.
In lieu of constructing the EWS houses, the developer will be entitled to build and dispose of some freehold HIG flats and commercial built-up area equivalent to 10% of EWS floor area ratio on leasehold basis. “DDA has not spent a single penny and just monetised the land,” said the official. The total area of the redeveloped site is 5.2 hectare and of this, 3.4 hectare is being used for residential development.
Apart from an amphitheatre, the complex will also have an exhibition museum to showcase the craft of Kathputli Colony residents who are primarily artistes, including puppeteers, magicians, singers. Besides, a multipurpose hall, health centre, children’s play area, retail outlets, police post, religious site, area for marriage ceremonies, etc., will also be there.