Notice in PIL about farmhouse party policy

MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT GROUP

A synergy platform of citizens' groups with legitimate stakes in benefits of planned development

Secretary MoUD

Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi – 110011

Sub: WP 8523/2003

Ref: News report about Hon’ble High court issuing notice in a PIL against misuse of farmhouses

Sir,

In our above-mentioned PIL, Hon’ble High Court had issued notice on 22.09.04. We have written twice about continuing illegalities on sites under projects challenged. These continue and have grown, along with private party illegal developments in their proximity. So far no reply has been filed.

With reference to the news item under reference (reproduced below), we wish to point out that in representations pertaining to J-Zone developments we have repeatedly raised the issue of misuse of farmhouses, “emboldened” by misuse of J-Zone sites by government. Apropos “policy” to allow this misuse, vide enclosed letter of 17.02.2004 objections were raised with reference to provisions of Delhi Development Act, 1957. It is further noteworthy that even in Public Notice for redevelopment of industrial clusters, published by MoUD on 19.11.2004, ridge and riverbed have been excluded. In J-Zone environmental damage (in terms of ground water depletion, besides environmental pollution) by non-conforming farmhouses is far greater than by most non-conforming industries.

We request that these issues be answered in the PIL about farmhouses as well as in our PIL, for which we also request that replies be expedited, so that no adjournment is necessary on 01.12.04.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely

Gita Dewan Verma

MPISG Planner

B.Arch (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

cc: other respondents

News report: Use of farmhouses, court questions (ToI, 20.11.04)

To support planned development. To oppose unplanned development. To protect our future.