Construction Continues in Jaitpur Extension Despite DDA Order
Construction activity persists unabated in Jaitpur Extension, directly contravening a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) order to cease building in the Yamuna river zone.
The DDA initially proposed rezoning 40% of the river zone to regularize existing illegal structures on the floodplains. However, they subsequently issued a stop-work order pending a final decision. This notice included a warning of potential demolition and penalties for non-compliance. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) also directed a halt to all construction following concerns raised by environmental experts about the detrimental impact on the river. Disregarding these directives, construction continues to proliferate, significantly damaging the riverfront and encroaching upon the floodplains.
Pre-election Promises Spark Hope for Residents
The upcoming assembly elections have given rise to renewed hope among Jaitpur residents. The chief minister's promise to lift the Zone O designation, thereby permitting construction in the area, has further fueled these expectations.
Despite the Zone O status, property transactions have persisted, with prices ranging between Rs 35,000 and Rs 45,000 per square yard. Many residents believe their properties fall under Zone F, mistakenly assuming construction is permissible. Only 10% of the land in the region remains undeveloped.
While the civic body's ban on construction initially halted the supply of materials, the anticipation of regularization, bolstered by promises from the Congress party, has created an environment conducive to the resumption of building activities. The colonies in Jaitpur, in addition to extensive concretization, are also contributing to significant pollution by discharging vast quantities of untreated sewage into the Yamuna river.