Gahlot seeks report from DC on extension of 360 Lal Dora villages

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 18

Seen as an attempt to woo the rural population ahead of next year's Lok Sabha polls, the Delhi government has ordered the divisional commissioner to begin the process of extension of Lal Dora areas in all 360 villages and submit a report on the timeline for the exercise within two weeks.

Revenue Minister Kailash Gahlot has issued directions to Divisional Commissioner Manisha Saxena to submit a report within two weeks for the completion of the consolidation proceedings regarding Lal Dora in villages.

Briefing reporters about the government’s decision, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Manish Sisodia said that there are around 360 villages in Delhi and their population has increased manifold.

In his directive, Gahlot said the people from rural areas have been meeting CM Arvind Kejriwal and him with the request to increase the periphery of Lal Dora to accommodate the growing population and the government is of the view that the interest of villagers should be dealt with sympathetically.

“It is directed the consolidation proceedings may be commenced in all the villages of Delhi with a clear direction to Consolidation Officers that the housing requirement in villages be accommodated. Timelines in respect of the villages of Delhi for completion of consolidation proceedings be submitted within two weeks,” Gahlot said.

Lal Dora refers to the boundary of any village habitation and is used for non-agricultural purpose only. Lal Dora was exempted from the building bye laws and construction norms and related regulations under the Delhi Municipal Act.

With rapid increase in population and unaffordability of the urban areas these Lal Dora areas swiftly got converted into urban villages over the years.