On the basis of the findings of the four-member committee constituted to decide on the infrastructure that would be allowed to come up in and around farm houses, the Delhi Government would submit its views to the Union Urban Development Ministry for formulation of a farm house policy. This was decided at a meeting between Union Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday.
Ms. Dikshit said the Delhi Development Authority wants to formulate a farm house policy and for giving shape to that the Union Ministry wanted the views of the Delhi Government.
At the meeting, she said, it was decided that the panel headed by Chief Secretary P.K. Tripathi would submit its report at the earliest. The panel would also decide on the kind and quantum of penalties to be levied on farm houses in about 10 days time, thereby paving the way for formulation of a policy that would remove the uncertainty from the status of the farm houses.
Incidentally, on Monday the Delhi Cabinet had decided to constitute the committee under Mr. Tripathi to decide on the various issues concerning farm house.
As per the mandate given to it, the panel would also give recommendations on whether to allow social functions like weddings in the farmhouses.
Delhi Revenue Minister A.K. Walia had earlier stated that since the population in these farm houses will increase over a period of time, there was an urgent need to provide certain amenities in and around them.
“The committee will look into issues related to infrastructure needed for these farm houses which will be residential in use,” he had added.
The Delhi Government also wants to remove the ambiguity and uncertainty surrounding the existence of these farm houses. Dr. Walia had stated that the Urban Development Department has been told to seek the DDA's opinion on the issue.
The matter assumes significance since there are 2,731 farmhouses in Delhi that are covered by the rules framed by the DDA and the MCD. Many of these are in areas like Chhattarpur and Ghittorni.
While the farmhouses need permission from the DDA or the MCD for hosting social functions, the DDA is now in the midst of framing a new policy which would put in place a set of rules that would determine the conduct of social and commercial activities there.
At the meeting between Ms. Dikshit and Mr. Nath, Delhi Development Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan was also present.
He raised the issue of regularisation of unauthorised colonies and demanded that the process for extending the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act be made yet again as it would expire on December 31.
