Clamour for one set of building bylaws

There are growing demands that there should be only one set of building by-laws for New Delhi.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) recently approved the Unified Building By-laws. However, these are applicable only in municipal areas.

“There should not be different sets of by-laws in different areas of Delhi. The by-laws prepared by the Delhi government are applicable to municipal areas (MCDs). Other local bodies in Delhi can adopt the by-laws notified by DDA under relevant provisions,” said Vijender Gupta, Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, who is also a member of the DDA. 

He also said that in the interest of uniformity, the power to make legislation pertaining to building activities should be with the Centre. At present, this power is with the Delhi government. Gupta recently met Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung in this regard.  As per the new by-laws, for group housing societies, the width of stairs has been increased from four to six feet. In plotted areas, the balcony width has been increased from three feet to five feet. Additionally, balconies outside different rooms can also be connected.

Accordingly, public facilities will now have more space for women’s toilets. Earlier, the by-laws said that public spaces must have equal areas allocated for men and women’s toilets.

The DDA is also working on the setting up of “green circuits” around the city by linking its parks.

There are about 5,000 hectares of greenery belonging to DDA, which would be integrated in the coming five to seven years.