New Delhi (Agency): The government of Haryana has announced a significant decision to regularize 450 unauthorized colonies that are located beyond municipal limits. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday.
According to Khattar, the 450 colonies slated for regularization include 239 that fall under the jurisdiction of the town and country planning department and 211 under the urban local bodies department. The Chief Minister revealed that a total of 1,135 unauthorized colonies will have been regularized since 2014 with this decision.
Highlighting the plan for additional unauthorized colonies, Khattar stated that 1,856 unauthorized colonies are currently under consideration for regularization. Out of these, 727 are under the jurisdiction of the town and country planning department, while 1,129 are under the urban local department.
Khattar pointed out a difference between the BJP-led government’s approach to the regularization of unauthorized colonies and the previous Congress government’s approach. During the Congress government’s 10-year tenure, they regularized a substantial 874 unauthorized colonies. Khattar emphasized that the present government has opted for a distinct approach by focusing on the convenience of the citizens.
“While focusing on citizen convenience and aiming to improve the living conditions of those residing in these colonies, we reduced the requirements for approach road and internal road widths for regularisation eligibility. Under the new norms, colonies with an approach road width of six metres or more, and internal roads width of three metres or more, are now eligible for regularisation,” Khattar said.
The residents living in these unauthorized colonies have long suffered from a lack of essential amenities. The government has acknowledged these challenges and taken on the task of regularizing these colonies to improve living conditions.
To effectively carry out this plan, a dedicated committee has been formed, headed by the additional chief secretary of the town and country planning department. This committee has carefully examined the infrastructure requirements for vital services in the affected colonies and has made several recommendations to address the issues.
“On the basis of these recommendations, we have decided to regularise isolated colonies having a minimum area of two acres. This move is anticipated to bring about a transformative change in the lives of the residents residing in these areas,” Khattar explained.
Additionally, the member secretary (convener) of the district town planning committee in the relevant district has been empowered to oversee the regularization process of the colonies situated outside the municipal areas.
This decision to regularize unauthorized colonies is a significant step by the Haryana government. It not only acknowledges the difficulties faced by the residents but also actively works to transform their living conditions. By easing the requirements for regularization and focusing on the needs of the residents, the government is working towards a more inclusive and equitable society. It also sets a precedent for future urban planning and development initiatives, focusing on the well-being and convenience of citizens.