Demolition threat in Pushta, 27.05.04

Mr A K Jain

Commissioner Planning, DDA, Vikas Minar, IP Estate, New Delhi – 110002

Sub: Proposed demolitions Yamuna Pushta

Ref: DDA to remove remaining slum clusters in Pushta, ToI, 27.05.04; previous letters, etc

Dear Mr Jain,

From the news report under reference, it seems DDA will be clearing the Shantivan stretch of Pushta stretching between Belagaon and Moolchand. A "senior official" is quoted saying, "There has been no change in policy as far as this project is concerned. The new government has taken over but there are no orders to stop this drive. So, we are continuing the action".

I am writing to ask you to personally ensure that no such action is taken till you have responded to at least the following letters in the matter:

• My letters dated 05.04.04 and 13.05.04 (which may now be read as part of para-B2(b) in my s.11A response of 13.05.04 to Public Notice No.F.20(2)2000-MP-PT.I)
• Letter dated 09.05.04 from Moolchand seeking clarifications pursuant to assurances received from former Union Minister for Tourism for slum clearance and resettlement strictly according to law (as repeatedly requested throughout the Rajghat Pushta clearance drive).
• Letter dated 11.05.04 seeking details of statutory provisions and schemes for cultivators’ settlements pursuant to assurances received from former Union Minister for Tourism on requests already made in this regard to DDA. Permit me to point out that these letters seek techno-legal clarifications / make suggestions within the ambit of citizens’ rights u/s 10 and s.11A of Delhi Development Act and provisions of Delhi Master Plan. Their consideration by DDA is nothing short of a right under the Act and the Plan from which DDA derives its mandate, quite regardless of changing governments.

I seek, with urgency and certainly prior to any further action by DDA in Shantivan Pushta, a meeting between those who have sought clarifications / made suggestions about it and DDA officials responsible for mandatory / proposed development activities in it. I hope that you will at least heed this request from a professional colleague.

I will have this letter hand-delivered to your office / Vikas Minar tomorrow. Please do let me know in the course of the day, on phone or by e-mail, if you are prepared to discuss the matter so that I can make my work plan for the weekend accordingly.

Yours sincerely

Gita Dewan Verma / Planner

BArch (SPA, gold medalist); M.Planning (SPA, gold medalist); PG Dip-Research (IHS-Rotterdam, top rank); Dip-Training (DoPT)

Formerly: Senior Fellow (HUDCO-HSMI), Visiting Faculty (SPA, TVB SHS), Consultant (DfID, IHSP, Nuffic, UNICEF, etc)

Currently: Independent researcher / writer and consultant to citizens’ groups synergising on Master Plan Implementation Support Group