Pil seeking directions for a-priori scheme(s) for implementation of Master Plan entitlements of old settlements in Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area (New Delhi) and for stoppage of new schemes unmindful of the provisions of the Delhi Master Plan and central ground water authority notification and, hence, violative of Delhi development act, 1957.

Prior engagements (since 2000)

Summarised in MPISG PIL Annexure-P/121 (since 2000); also see: Sultangarhi chronicle2 (up to June 2003) and Mahipalpur chronicle3 (up to July 2003)

Projects challenged 

56-Ha Sultangarhi project in Rangpuri Pahari, DDA Sports Complex and Delhi Government Institute for Liver and Billiary Sciences south of D2 Vasant Kunj, Delhi Government air-conditioned Mandi at Andheria Morh, additions to Vasant Kunj (all in DMP Green Belt / Ridge area in J-Zone, for which Zonal Plan has not been notified) and CISF housing in Mahipalpur Hauz and Malls and Biodiversity Park in area earmarked for sparse residential development / Vasant Kunj Ph 2 (all in F-Zone, for which Zonal Plan was notified in 1998). > Photographs4

Petitioner: Shiv Narayan (MPISG convener - villages) 

Respondents: DDA, MoUD, GNCTD, MCD, MoCA, DMRC, CGWA 

Counsel for the petitioner: Anupam Lal Das, S Muralidhar

Core issue: Delhi Development Act was enacted for the sole purpose of planned development, overall objective of which is set out in the Delhi Master Plan since 1962 as balanced and integrated development to take care of present and future growth, leading to explicit provisions for integrating old settlements in new developments. In Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area land acquired from villages for development according to Plan has been and continues to be used for new schemes with no basis in the Master Plan. These have failed to implement old settlements' Plan entitlements by way of housing expansion / provision, facilities like schools and work places, services like transport, water, etc. Instead, they have caused problems for old settlements and damage to the area's environmental and heritage resources. Repeated representations, including by due process of Public Notice, etc, for implementation of Plan entitlements and against new schemes in violation of the Plan have been ignored and are poised to become infructuous with unplanned schemes using up land needed for Plan entitlements - despite court order of 16.09.20025 that ordered, besides stopping, inquiry into Sultangarhi scheme to deter such illegalities.

Cause of action: Advertisements of 16.11.2003 for auction of sites for Vasant Kunj Malls, featuring the Biodiversity Park as USP.

Pleadings

Material related to MPISG engagements relating to entitlements of old / existing communities under land policy of compulsory acquisition for planned development6.

  • (PIL & Additional Affidavit of December 2003, DDA counter-affidavit of February 2005 and Rejoinder of April 2005, MCD counter affidavit of April 2005, DDA reply affidavit of August 2005) 
  • NCMP-DMP7 
  • Letters wrt Notice of 22/09/2004 (23/09/20048, 24/10/20049, etc) 
  • Response10 to s.11A Public Notice for identically illegal IT Park on riverbed (October 2004) 
  • Response11 to s.11A Public Notice for commercial use in Mahipalpur Hauz (06/12/2004) 
  • Letters wrt NGO petition to CEC (20/07/200412 and 04/08/200413) 
  • Letter wrt NGO PIL against farmhouse parties 21/11/200414, forwarded by GNCTD to DDA and MCD by letter of 11/01/05) 
  • Letters to MoEF wrt EIA notification amendment and draft national environment policy (01/09/200415, 15/09/200416, 26/10/200417, 04/02/2005, 08/02/2005, 09/02/200518, 13/03/200519, etc) 
  • s.41 applications to MoUD for directions for inquiry as per Sultangarhi order (05/07/200420, 25/08/200421, 22/11/200422, forwarded by GNCTD to DDA & MCD by letter of 11/01/2005, etc) 
  • Letters to Police for investigation under s.34A (08/11/200423, 08/02/2005, 09/02/2005, 09/03/200524, 28/03/200525, etc) 
  • Letters to LG about non-compliance / for directions for replies and action against continuing illegalities (21/11/200426, 27/01/200527: 09/03/200528, 28/03/200529, 31/03/200530 
  • Letters to Lok Sabha Standing Committee about non-compliance (05/01/200531, 09/01/200532, etc) 
  • Representation to President about non-compliance (26/01/2005, forwarded for appropriate action to Chief Secretary by P2-1067460 of 04/02/05)
  • Responses to DMP 2021 Public Notice (June-July 2005)

 Listings

  • 10/12/2003: First listing: Respondents alleged the Petitioner represented the interests of rival Malls in Gurgaon, the court directed the Petitioner to file an additional affidavit to spell out violations in detail and adjourned the matter to 17/12/2003
    • 15/12/2003: Additional Affidavit filed33 by the Petitioner 
    • 15/12/2003: Mall plots auctioned for 1100 crores34
  • 17/12/2003: Second listing: Respondents argued for the Malls, conceding in the process that Biodiversity Park involved a departure from statutory land use stipulations. The matter was adjourned to 24/03/2003 without notice being issued.
    • 29/01/200435: DDA VC made Home Secretary, earning kudos for record-breaking auction for Malls
    • 21/02/200436: Foundation stone for Biodiversity Park laid by LG and 4 MPs, including 3 ministers
    • 08/03/2004: Politician's PIL against Malls dismissed by Supreme Court with order saying:
      "We are satisfied that the proposed Mall is on the area measuring 92 hectares of land, which has already been excluded by the order of this Court on 19th August, 1997. In that view of the matter, we do not find any merit in this petition. It is accordingly, dismissed. However, this order will not preclude the petitioner from availing any remedy, which may be available to him under law". (The PIL relied on NGO PIL of 1997 in which 92 Ha had been released from purview of DMP for up-market development in appeal)
  • 24/03/2004: Third listing: Respondents argued that the PIL in High Court had been settled by Supreme Court order, of which they did not have a copy, and the matter was adjourned to 19/05/2004
  • 19/05/2004: Fourth listing: Matter did not reach and was listed by Court Master for 04/08/2004.
    • Home Secretary, formerly DDA VC, made Secretary MoUD 
    • 07/06/2004: Indian Building Congress award for GNCTD 5-senses garden (grabbing DMP ridge park) 
    • 20/06/200037: land allotment by GNCTD to NGO in Asola (forest & DMP ridge) 
    • housing-heritage section started on NCMP-DMP38 minder 
    • 05/07/200439: s.41 applications to MoUD for directions for inquiry as per Sultangarhi order 
    • 29/06/200540: Construction of liver institute at VK begins 
    • 12/07/2004: Complaints, with photographs, about start of boring / drilling on site of Malls' 
    • 13/07/2004: NGO petition to SC Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for declaring Biodiversity Park project, etc, forest reported41
    • Letter to CEC42, with copy to respondents and others, to draw attention to the PIL in High Court + Letter to LG43 seeking inquiry as per order of 16/09/2002 for Sultangarhi scheme > 26/07/2004: (when CEC would have heard the NGO petition) in the evening old communities in up-coming Biodiversity Park were informed of demolition > letters of 26/07/200444, 27/07/200445, 28/07/200446 enumerating processes that the proposed demolition would frustrate 
    • 29/07/2004: Pushta-like demolition of old settlements in Lal Khet in breach also of NCMP for illegal bio-diversity park
  • 04/08/2004: Fifth listing: respondents produced Supreme Court order of 08/03/2004 to insist it allowed the Malls, with illegal boring, and also settled the PIL in High Court. On the petitioner's contention that the PIL related to several projects and relied on Zonal Plan of 1998 and CGWA notification of 1999 rather than order in NGO PIL of 1997, High Court asked (without passing an order) for pleadings of the Supreme Court matter and adjourned to 22/09/2004
    • 04/08/2004: Excavation on Malls site commenced (and within a few days fleets of trucks began removing china clay, sand, murram and boulders) 
    • 04/08/200447: Letter to CEC, with copy to respondents (who had not mentioned the CEC matter in High Court)
    • 17/08/200448: CEC "clearance" for Biodiversity Park reported > request to editor for clarification49 (not provided) 
    • 19/08/200450: report about up-market building on site for charitable-hospital being up for sale > suggestion of 2002 to relocate GNCTD hospital from Green Belt to this site reiterated 
    • 25/08/200451: start of earthwork on part of Sultangarhi project > s.41 application to MoUD for directions for inquiry as per Sultangarhi order
    • 01/09/200452: Request to Secretary MoEF for clarification about EIA requirement as per amendment of 07/07/2004 to EIA notification of 199453, reiterated in letters of 06/09/200454 (with reference to draft national environment policy55, etc) and 15/09/200456 (about Delhi government's views of illegality and environment apropos industries, etc).
  • 22/09/2004: Sixth listing: High Court issued notice to reply in 4 weeks to the petition and the application for interim directions to all respondents. Respondents had failed to produce the pleadings of their Supreme Court matter. About the Petitioner's concern about illegal boring, quarrying, etc, continuing, the court advised letters to authorities about further illegalities in view of notice having been issued. The matter was listed for hearing on 01/12/2004.
    • 23/09/200457: Letter to respondents and others about status of illegalities on all sites covered by the PIL 
    • 13-16/10/200458: Demand for compliance of Sultangarhi order of 16/09/2002 in terms of inquiry reiterated in responses to s.11A Public Notice to "regularize" identically illegal IT Park under construction on riverbed 
    • 24/10/200459: letter to respondents and others about continuing illegalities on the sites covered by the PIL, with photographs of two 
    • 26/10/200460: Comment on draft National Environment Policy with reference to continuing ridge and riverbed violations 
    • 04-06/11/2004: GNCTD green claims: Show-casing of GNCTD Garden of 5 Senses61 at St.Etienne Biennial in France; GNCTD/MCD plans to save water bodies62; GNCTD bhagidaari greening63 with children 
    • 06/11/2004: Mention of work continuing on ridge projects despite notice in an op-ed article64 
    • 08/11/200465: Letter on to DCP(SW) for investigation under s.34A, with reference to start of quarrying on another Mall plot and of foundation work on Sultangarhi project.
    • 20/11/2004: High Court notice in NGO PIL against policy to allow misuse of farmhouses for parties against a fee reported66 > Letter67 to ask respondents to cover points raised about this in letter of 17/02/2004 in replies in both PIL (forwarded by GNCTD Under Secy UD vide letter no.F.13(84)/2003/UD/MCD/15605 dated 11/01/2005, to DDA VC and MCD Commissioner for appropriate action and ATR to representationist)
    • 21/11/200468: Letter to LG, with photographs, about large plot colonisation near Mandi, GNCTD institute and Sultangarhi projects 
    • 22/11/200469: Letter to Secy MoUD, with copy to respondents, to ask for inquiry report, report of hearing, etc (forwarded by GNCTD Under Secy UD vide letter no.F.13(84)/2003/UD/MCD/15605 dated 11/01/2005, to DDA VC and MCD Commissioner for appropriate action and ATR to representationist)
  • 01/12/2004: Seventh Listing: Matter adjourned to 23/02/2004 with directions to petitioner to take steps to ensure service (since one of the seven respondents had not been served the notice as per the record). DDA counsel sought two more weeks to file reply (presumably for all respondents, none of whom had complied with order of 22/09/2004 for filing replies in 4 weeks) and for some reason produced a copy of the Supreme Court PIL against the Malls, curiously claiming that it had also been dismissed in SLP. DMRC counsel, diligently present at all previous hearings, suddenly said they had no role in the petition but was asked to file affidavit. Counsel for the petitioner had no opportunity to raise the issue of continuing illegalities.
    • 06/12/200470: response to s.11A Public Notice for commercial use in Mahipalpur Hauz 
    • 08/12/200471: Demand for stopping construction of IT Park till disposal of Public Notice and disposal before Mahipalpur Public Notice (forwarded to Secretary MoUD for appropriate action as per President Secretariat's letter P1/D-77077 of 13/12/2004) 
    • 16/12/200472: Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Bill passed 
    • 23/12/200473: Request for clarifications about GNCTD public notice for regularisation of unauthorised colonies 
    • 26/12/200474: Representation for "exemplary demolition" of IT Park on riverbed on grounds of disregard of several statutory/judicial processes, starting with court order of 16/09/2002 for Sultangarhi
    • 27/12/200475: Request for clarifications about MCD byelaw reform proposals for villages in view of overlapping issues awaiting disposal in, among others, this PIL 
    • 05/01/200576: Now Bhagidari extends to conservation of monuments 
    • 05/01/200577: Note for Standing Committee visit to Vasant Kunj 
    • 09/01/200578: Letter to MP (member Standing Committee an DDA Advisory Council), wrt also the bhagidaari demand for Sultangarhi project by some RWA office bearers at Standing Committee visit 
    • 07/01/200579: Supreme Court appoints expert committee for preservation of ancient buildings in PIL by INTACH 
    • 12/01/05:80 MoEF constitutes expert committee to assess construction projects requiring environmental clearance 
    • 16/01/200581: DMP subversion - insights into bhagidaari - letter to GNCTD about routine forwarding of letters of 21 & 22/11/2004 
    • 26/01/2005: Letter from Mr Ajit Singh Mullick of Masudpur to President of India (forwarded for appropriate action to Chief Secretary GNCTD as per President Secretariat's letter P2-1067460 of 04/02/2005) 
    • 27/01/200582: Letter to LG about non-compliance of orders wrt Republic Day address 
    • 30/01/05:83 Naraina demolitions and Masudpur Mall
    • 01/02/2005: Petitioner's letter to LG requesting directions for replies and against work on challenged projects and any dispossession, with copy to all respondents (forwarded by GNCTD Under Secy UD vide letter F.No.13/84/2003/UD/MB/18352 dated 23/02/2005 to DDA VC, MCD Commissioner and GNCTD Dy Secy Bhagidari for appropriate action and ATR/comments to representationist) 
    • 04/02/05:84 press reports of NGO "protest" against VK malls > Letter from Petitioner to LG / DDA Chairman with copy to President, PM, Urban Development Minister, MoEF Secretary 
    • 07/02/05:85 news report claiming and lamenting no work on GNCTD Liver institute (briskly under construction) 
    • 08/02/2005: Letter from Mr Ajit Singh Mullick to DCP (SW) for investigation u/s.34A of Master Plan violations in the area, including those by experts / RWAs demanding them 
    • 09/02/2005: Letter from Petitioner to DCP (SW) for investigation into continuing illegalities and NGo/experts demanding or weakly protesting them and for report in time for next hearing
    • 09/02/2005: Request to MoEF for reply in time for next hearing to letters seeking clarifications about EIA amendment implications 
    • 09/02/05:86 news report about gardening promotion at Garden of 5 senses
    • 10/02/2005: News report quoting officials about the projects challenged in WP 23/2003 > Letter of 12/02/200587 to CVC 
    • 22/02/200588: Inauguration of Mandi by CM 
    • 22/02/2005: counter affidavit of DDA89 (failing to answer the petition in general and the additional affidavit in particular)
  • 23/02/2005: Eighth Listing: Order: "DDA to file a reply within two weeks dealing with the specific averments made by the petitioner in the additional affidavit. Rejoinder, if any, within a week thereafter. To come up on 27.4.2005".
    • 01/03/200590: Letter to MCD wrt GNCTD forwardings, farmhouse misuse policy, property tax, Lal Dora and byelaw reform, with copy to GNCTD and DDA for expediting reply 
    • 09/03/200591
      : News report of disapproval about post-facto land use change expressed at Authority meeting of 28/02/2005 > Letters to LG, CGWA, Police Commissioner, CVC
    • 13/03/200592: Letter to MoEF wrt inauguration by CM of NGO centre in Asola forest and GNCTD DPCC Public Notice re EIA notification amendment
    • 23/03/0593: GNCTD budget speech referring to Mandi, Liver Institute, etc.
    • 24/03/2005: ASI objection to elevated metro corridor by DMRC at Qutb
    • 27-28/03/200594: Letters to DMRC, ASI and LG wrt F-Zone Plan imperatives (including responsibilities for ASI, INTACH), etc, being subject of MPISG PIL awaiting replies
    • 27-28/03/2005: complaints to police for s.34A investigations wrt director of school of habitat-studies functioning in violation of DMP2001 being named as chairman of DMP2021 conservation and renewal sub-group
    • 29/03/200595: DDA budget > 31/03/200596: Letter to LG
    • 07/04/200597: petition against metro property development filed
    • 09-10/04/200598: news reports about Mandi not functioning
    • 11/04/200599: Dikshit and water for Delhi
    • 15/04/2005: DDA go-ahead for crafts bazaar at Vasant Kunj (Malls)
    • 21/04/2005: Rejoinder affidavit100 (to DDA counter affidavit of February 2005 in absence, with no other reply having been filed)
    • 25/04/2005: Counter-affidavit of MCD101 (claiming no role in the petition / area)
  • 27/04/2005: Ninth Listing: Order: Rejoinder affidavit on behalf of the petitioner is served to the counsel today in Court. List on 3.8.2005. C.M.13706/03: No orders are required in the application as direction is being issued in the main petition. C.M stands disposed of. (DDA was also told to file reply to additional affidavit of 15/12/2003 in terms of 23/02/2005)
    • 04/05/2005: Capital's wildlife sanctuary to be a reality soon (Asola)
    • 06/05/2005102: news report of tendering scam in Sultangarhi mega-housing
    • 07/05/05103: news report re CAG reference re Sultangarhi
    • 09/05/2005: Facelift for lake (GNCTD plans for water sports at Tihar lake)
    • 12/05/2005: news report about former Justice Shamit Mukherji, implicated in DDA scam
    • 12/05/2005: MCD to change farmhouse rules, RWAs see red
    • 12/05/2005: Building rules may be relaxed (lal dora) 14/05/2005: Qutub Minar in a new light
    • 14/05/2005: MCD to look into closing four landfill sites
    • 17/05/2005: Coming soon, a forest near you
    • 17/05/2005: Naraina left in the lurch
    • 21/05/2005: Neemrana town will ease Capital burden
    • 23/05/2005: Squatter menace at sanctuary (okhla)
    • 23/05/2005104: news report of CAG on Sgarhi
    • 27/05/2005: Liver institute to miss date, 2nd year running
    • 27/05/2005: Nod for Bhatti landfills
    • 29/05/2005: Farmhouses party on exotic harvest
    • 30/05/2005: July 15 deadline for revival of wet water bodies, but what about this summer
    • 16/06/2005: DJB may get groundwater control
    • 16/06/2005: Forest Dept to plant 10,000 saplings on Ridge
    • 16/06/2005: Panchayat blows whistle on Gurgaon land grab
    • 17/06-07/07/2005: Responses to DMP2021 Public Notice
    • 10/07/2005: Sahib ready to run over catchment area
    • 12/07/2005: MCD moves SC on Ridge landfill
    • 12/07/2005: NCR opens heritage chapter, footnote on sites yet to be excavated
    • 13/07/2005: Water, drains for all 163 Delhi villages in 5 years
    • 13/07/2005: Blueprint to develop rural areas around the city soon
    • 15/07/2005: Rural development projects at a standstill
    • 17/07/2005: 40 more five-star hotels for Games
    • 20/07/2005: Delhi is greener; South Delhi greenest
    • 21/07/2005: Forest survey: Cover up, but density down
    • 27/07/2005: DDA to auction 11 plots for wedding halls in Dwarka
    • 28/07/2005: Airport all set for facelift
    • 28/07/2005: Contempt notice to MCD commissioner in NGO PIL against farmhouse misuse reported105
    • 02/08/2005: DDA reply affidavit106 (to Additional Affidavit of 15/12/2003)
  • 03/08/2005: Tenth Listing: Order: "Pleadings are complete according to the parties. List for hearing on 19th October, 2005".
    • 04/08/2005: Consult RWAs, says panel on land use (news report on Standing Committee report)
    • 06/08/2005: Now a night safari in your neighbourhood (Biodiversity Park)
    • 06.08.05: MCD's bid for Bhatti Mines land put on hold
    • 07/08/2005: Govt plans wild stretch for Bhatti Mines
    • 07/08/2005: INTACH to revive 3 more lakes
    • 19/08/2005: Gram Sabha land up for grabs
    • 23/08/05: Fate of Sainik Farms hangs in balance
    • 26/08/2005: Ridge Board to inspect DDA's plantation patterns in Sanjay Van
    • 27/08/2005: From garbage dump, we developed a beautiful place: Verma
    • 30/09/2005: re ASI panel to review 100/200m norm
    • 30/08/2005: Rubble removal from Sultangarhi site for masonry work in Biodiversity Park > Police complaint in continuation of complaints of 2002-2003 and claim by local police that DDA staff has filed work orders / permissions claiming also Supreme Court clearance for excavation on Malls site
    • 03/09/2005: Illegal mining destroys ecosystem in the Aravalis (news report about private mining)
    • 08/09/2005: MCD seeks time on farmhouse issue
    • 08/09/2005: Land for media centre transferred to housing society
    • 15/09/2005: Aravalli mining: HC notice to Centre
  • 1. MPISG Cases - Commerce WP(c) 8523/2003
    Excerpts from WP 8523/2003 (Shiv Narayan v/s DDA & Ors), December 2003

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21926

  • 2. source: http://www.delhiscienceforum.org/dmp2021/mpisg/Case_SG.htm
  • 3. source: http://www.delhiscienceforum.org/dmp2021/mpisg/V_MhP.htm
  • 4. source: http://plan.architexturez.org/site/mpisg/ridge/pics
  • 5. source: http://www.delhiscienceforum.org/other12.html
  • 6. MPISG Cases - Commerce WP(c) 8523/2003
    Excerpts from WP 8523/2003 (Shiv Narayan v/s DDA & Ors), December 2003

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21926

  • 7. Housing and Heritage, NCMP-DMPR
    Slums are backlog on DMP housing for the poor, driven to protected or derelict space. NCMPreferences to social housing and renewal are in line with trends seeking to open up in DMP2021 this space and DMP space meant for the poor. But its promise of no evictions and interpretation by President and PM lend them also to DMP convergent perspective.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21743
    (housing-heritage) minder (July-October 2004)
  • 8. Sub: WP 8523/2003
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22720
  • 9. Sub: WP 8523/2003 and WP 4978/2002
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22668
  • 10. Public Notice of September 2004
    Proposal to modify DMP to "regularize" metro property development come up illegally on the riverbed.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-22629
  • 11. Sub: response to public notice f.20(1)2004-mp pt 1 dated 07.11.2004 (posted on DDA website)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22910
  • 12. Unplanned developments in ridge / ridge periphery in Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area
    MPISG letter to Central Empowered Committee constituted by Supreme Court, with reference to news reports about NGOs petitioning it for declaring Lal Khet area ridge, to draw attention to available statutory protections, PIL being heard by High Court, etc

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/21767
  • 13. Sub: Unplanned developments in ridge / ridge periphery in Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area
    Request for hearing and for details of NGO application to CEC

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22671
  • 14. Notice in PIL about farmhouse party policy
    Letter to Secretary MoUD with copy to other respondents in WP 8523/2003, dated 21.11.2004

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22717
  • 15. Sub: Environmental clearance for Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area projects, subject of PIL in Delhi High Court
    Letter of 01.09.04 to Secretary MoEF (with copy to respondents in PIL and LG / DDA Chairman) seeking clarification for projects covered by the MPISG PIL, with reference to amendment of July 2004 to the EIA notification

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22669
  • 16. What is non-conforming and environment-damaging?
    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21833
  • 17. Comment on Draft National Environment Policy
    For articulating its starting premise, NEP might have used, rather than cause-impact framework for degradation, one of conflict-resolution between environmental and development objectives, as is central to development planning law – which finds no mention in NEP.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/21761
  • 18. Letter about court stay on GNCTD 20% BPL directive
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22859
  • 19. Letter to MoEF (13/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22727
  • 20. Sub: Objection to MoUD committee for slums / NCMP-DMP imperatives for housing for the poor, ridge and riverbed and intervention for stopping imminent demolition
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22656
  • 21. Sub: Resumption of work on mega-housing in 56 Ha Sultangarhi project – Request for meeting and for s.41 directions for inquiry as per order of 16.09.02 in WP 4978/2002
    Letter to Secretary MoUD and LG / DDA Chairman to ask yet again for directions for stoppage and inquiry in compliance of court order of 2002 against the illegal ridge area project

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22655
  • 22. Resumption of Sultangarhi project: Letter for clarifications
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22719
  • 23. Sub: WP 8523/2003 – complaint / request for investigation into continuing illegalities
    For investigation into continuing illegalities, 08.11.2004

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22712
  • 24. Letter to LG (09/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22726
  • 25. Letters to DMRC, ASI and LG (27-28/03/2005)

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22728
  • 26. Sub: WP 8523/2003
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22720
  • 27. source: http://plan.architexturez.org/site/mpisg/p/050127
  • 28. Letter to LG (09/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22726
  • 29. source: http://plan.architexturez.org/site/anomie/f/050327
  • 30. Letter to LG (31/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22729
  • 31. Parliamentary standing Committee visit to Vasant Kunj
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22723
  • 32. Letter to MP (09/01/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22762
  • 33. WP 8523/2003: Additional Affidavit detailing out violations
    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21762
  • 34. source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=70789
  • 35. Anil Baijal new Home Secy
    NEW DELHI: Anil Baijal, vice-chairman of Delhi Development Authority (DDA), will take over as Union home secretary next month.

    A 1969 IAS (UT cadre) batch officer, Baijal will succeed N Gopalaswami who has been transferred as a member of the Election Commission. The transfer was expected as the vice-chairman had been promoted to the rank of secretary. Baijal has held prime posts in Delhi including chairman and managing director of Indian Airlines and CEO of Prasar Bharati.

    http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-01-29/delhi/28345440_1_anil-baijal-delhi-development-authority-subhash-sharma (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 36. Foundation of biodiversity park laid
    NEW DELH1, FEB. 22. The foundation stone of the 277 hectares Aravali Biodiversity Park, which will preserve the extinct biotic communities found earlier in the Aravali Ranges, was laid by the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, here in Vasant Kunj on Saturday.

    http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/23/stories/2004022308690400.htm (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 37. Deal signed for conservation centre
    NEW DELHI, JUNE 19. The Forest and Wildlife Department of the Delhi Government has entered into an agreement with the Bombay Natural History Society for setting up a Conservation Education Centre at Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in South Delhi.

    http://www.hindu.com/2004/06/20/stories/2004062008230300.htm (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 38. Sub: Demolition ‘notice’ in Lal Khet
    'Most Urgent' letter enumerating statutory and judicial and parliamentary processes besides NCMP promise and pledge that the proposed demolition would frustrate.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22662
  • 39. Sub: Objection to MoUD committee for slums / NCMP-DMP imperatives for housing for the poor, ridge and riverbed and intervention for stopping imminent demolition, Op. cit.
  • 40. Construction of liver institute at VK begins
    NEW DELHI: After a three-month long legal wrangle, work on the 280-bed Institute of Liver and Billiary Sciences at Vasant Kunj, has been finally started.

    The state government had sanctioned the Rs 40-crore project in August last year.

    The tender process, however got stalled in March when the contractor approached court, reportedly over a clause in the tender that it had to be allocated within six months.

    http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-06-28/delhi/27152153_1_tender-process-liver-pwd (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 41. source: http://cities.expressindia.com/archivefullstory.php?newsid=91154&creation_date=2004-07-13
  • 42. Unplanned developments in ridge / ridge periphery in Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area: Request for hearing and for details of NGO application to CEC, Op.cit.
  • 43. Letter for court-ordered inquiry, 21.07.04
    MPISG letter to g, with reference to news report about plans for Sultangarhi scheme, to request compliance of court order of 16.09.02 for inquiry, information of outcome of Public Notice by which 1700 families responded to object and directions against Malls/Park scheme, enclosing letter to CEC

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22664
  • 44. sub: demolition ‘notice’ in lal khet, Op.cit.
  • 45. Sub: Imminent demolition in Lal Khet on 29.07.04 / NCMP subversion
    In protest of imminent willful dispossession for willful development, sent to President, Prime Minister, NAC Chairperson, Urban Development Minister, Left party officies, DDA VC, Police Commissioner, etc.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22663
  • 46. Sub: Demolition of Modern Public School in Rangpuri Pahari on 27.07.04 / WP 4978/2002, WP 8954-9/2003 and Demolition proposed in Lal Khet on 29.07.04 / WP 4978/2002, WP 8523/2003
    MPISG complaint to DCP (SW) and others about demolition of school on evening of 27.07.04 and proposed demolition in Lalkhet on 29.07.04.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22670
  • 47. Sub: Unplanned developments in ridge / ridge periphery in Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area, Op.cit.
  • 48. source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=95747
  • 49. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2004-August/000129.html
  • 50. "Uncharitable Hospital Trust" - Letter of February 24, 2002
    Letters of February 2002 following harassment of tea vendor by a charitable trust management owning a freshly constructed unutilized building on site meant for hospital in Vasant Kunj and news report of 19.08.04.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22633
  • 51. Sub: Resumption of work on mega-housing in 56 Ha Sultangarhi project – Request for meeting and for s.41 directions for inquiry as per order of 16.09.02 in WP 4978/2002, Op.cit.
  • 52. Sub: Environmental clearance for Mehrauli-Mahipalpur area projects, subject of PIL in Delhi High Court, Op.cit.
  • 53. EXTRAORDINARY
    PART II  Section 3  Sub-section (ii)

    http://envfor.nic.in/legis/eia/so801%28e%29.htm (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 54. Sub: EIA of “popular” illegal projects in Delhi ridge / riverbed in context of national environment policy
    Letter of 06.09.04 to Secretary MoEF seeking clarification about EIA clearance of ridge and riverbed area projects, with reference to Draft National Environment Policy (up for comment) and to reported NGO "criticism".

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22677
  • 55. source: http://envfor.nic.in/nep.htm
  • 56. What is non-conforming and environment-damaging?, Op.cit.
  • 57. sub: wp 8523/2003, Op.cit.
  • 58. Public Notice of September 2004, Op.cit.
  • 59. sub: wp 8523/2003 and wp 4978/2002, Op.cit.
  • 60. Comment on Draft National Environment Policy, Op.cit.
  • 61. St Etienne Biennale, France, November 2004
    Garden of Five Senses (Master Plan violation in Delhi ridge) that was honoured with Indian Building Congress award in June 2004 and was jostling with Mittal Gardens in dandiya-masti extravaganza in October 2004 was also “paid a visit by officials from the city of Saint Etienne earlier this year during their travel around the world to select projects for …the biennale… to provide a window to “unusual innovations and cultural identities that bring the colour of diversity and originality back to the world being greyed out by globalisation strategies”. 

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-22017
  • 62. New lease of life for water bodies in death throes
    Asian Age, 05.11.2004
    by Archana jyoti

    New Delhi, Nov. 4: Delhi’s civic authorities are waking up to the slow death of the water bodies scattered all over the city.

    With a view to giving them a fresh lease of life, the Delhi Jal board and the municipal corporation of Delhi have constituted a task force to protect the water bodies, which have reduced into marshes and become contaminated due to runoff pesticides, raw sewage, fertilisers, heavy metals and their subsequent leaching into the soil of the water bodies.

    It has not only led to a depletion of the groundwater reserve, these water bodies are also becoming breeding grounds of bacteria and viruses causing dangerous diseases.

    Most of these water bodies fall in areas which are not connected to any public sewage treatment plants and where the ground water levels are falling or raw sewage is entering into the water resources. The task force would ensure decentralised waste water management around these sites.

    To begin with, two water bodies and two marshes have been selected — namely Jahangirpuri and Sonia Vihar Marsh, Sanjay Lake in Mayur Vihar phase-ii and the Shahdara Lake, where the water will be treated so that it can be used for non-potable purposes.

    The unauthorised colonies at Vasant Vihar will also get treated water on the site itself. The financial aspect of the project is, however, yet to be worked out. "These areas have a mix of settlements such as slums, jj clusters and even established communities with housing. Some of them have sewerage and disposal facilities while others don’t," said an MCD official.

    He said site plans with the study areas marked on them will be furnished by the MCD and the DJB to the shortlisted consultant.

    The task force has decided to appoint one or more consultants to carry out feasibility studies on the technical, financial and social viability aspects of decentralised waste water management for these identified sites.

    "This would cover a large number of unsewered areas in Delhi and treat their waste waters so as to improve the general sanitation and health within the areas. Also, water quality in the Yamuna river can be protected besides ensuring a reduction in the depletion rate of the aquifers," the official said.
  • 63. source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=105906
  • 64. Whither Delhi?
    Delhi is an urban law breaker’s paradise. Nobody violates the city’s Master Plan more than the government. Against the backdrop of decibels over industry closure and regularisation, Geeta Dewan Verma wonders where Delhi is headed.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21830
  • 65. sub: wp 8523/2003 – complaint / request for investigation into continuing illegalities, Op.cit.
  • 66. Use of farmhouses, court questions
    NEW DELHI: Taking serious note of the misuse of farmhouses in the city, the Delhi High Court has asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to explain the provision under which the agencies have relaxed the conditions for the usage of farmhouses.

    http://www1.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/928800.cms (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 67. Notice in PIL about farmhouse party policy, Op.cit.
  • 68. sub: wp 8523/2003, Op.cit.
  • 69. Resumption of Sultangarhi project: Letter for clarifications, Op.cit.
  • 70. Sub: response to public notice f.20(1)2004-mp pt 1 dated 07.11.2004 (posted on DDA website)
    On behalf of all synergizing on MPISG on PIL WP 8523/2003, WP 6980/2002 and WP 4978/2002 and s.11A Public Notices of 15.09.2002 (Sultangarhi) and 18.09.2004 (IT Park), etc.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22910
  • 71. ILLEGAL I-T-PARK ON RIVERBED
    Demand for stopping it, testing s.11a public notice of 18.09.2004 for its “in-situ regularisation” for conformity with law and disposal of responses to it - forthwith and, in any case, before disposal of s.11a public notices of 04.11.2004 (redevelopment of industrial clusters) and 07.11.2004 (commercial development in historic water body in ridge area)

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-22781
  • 72. New Bill to help protect monuments
    NEW DELHI, DEC. 16. The Delhi Assembly today passed the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Bill. The Bill was introduced by the Minister of Education and Tourism, Arvinder Singh Lovely. While the State Department of Archaeology has been in existence for over 20 years now, the Bill will finally give it the legal backing it desperately needed. The Bill will also help save buildings that are not protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

    http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/17/stories/2004121717090300.htm (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 73. Request for clarifications on GNCTD public notice for 'regularisation of unauthorised colonies'
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22804
  • 74. Representation for exemplary demolition of IT Park at Shastri Park
    And stopping of all identically illegal projects in riverbed/ridge and as “metro property development” till disposal of PIL/Public Notices about them (to Lieutenant Governor / DDA Chairman, 26/12/2004)

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22785
  • 75. MCD proposals for urban villages
    Request re planning / legal experts

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22718
  • 76. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/+/In-Enaction/archive/msg00947.shtml
  • 77. Parliamentary standing Committee visit to Vasant Kunj, Op.cit.
  • 78. Letter to MP (09/01/2005), Op.cit.
  • 79. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/+/MPISG-Media/archive/msg00251.shtml
  • 80. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-January/000256.html
  • 81. GNCTD forwardings of letters of 21&22/11/2004
    Delhi Master Plan subversion: insights into “bhagidaari”

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22722
  • 82. http://plan.architexturez.org/site/mpisg/p/050127, Op.cit.
  • 83. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-January/000270.html
  • 84. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-February/000274.html
  • 85. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-February/000278.html
  • 86. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-February/000282.html
  • 87. Letter to LG (12/02/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22724 to LG and of 13/02/2005Letter to CVC (13/02/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22725
  • 88. Briefly
    Travel fair opens on February 25, Sheila inaugurates Kisan Haat, Smart card payphone service, Rs. 25 lakhs for tsunami victims

    http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/23/stories/2005022306290400.htm (Retrieved 12th July, 2013)
  • 89. W P (C) NO. 8723 OF 2003: DDA counter affidavit (February 2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21752
  • 90. MCD "misuse-charges"
    Letter of 01/03/2005 wrt GNCTD forwardings of letters (in context of MPISG PIL) about farmhouse party policy and non-compliance of court order for rectification of violations on school sites.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/node/22865
  • 91. Letter to LG (09/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/pst/39c28f17-d965-49b1-ba78-9920f4adbd8d
  • 92. Letter to MoEF (13/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/pst/02c1f782-d3f0-46c6-83c2-982bb5f688f8
  • 93. Delhi Budget 2005-06 (expenditure proposals) (1)
    Planning Commission has approved Delhi’s Annual Plan for 2005-06 at 5100 cr – an increase of 12.5% over the outlay of 4532 cr for last year. Sector-wise expenditure in the two Annual Plans, approved under different central governments, are nearly identical, also in terms of being largely violative of the statutory framework for planned development of Delhi (Constitutional responsibility of central government) and inefficient and inequitable in comparison with it. Doubts arising from this situation are compounded by the claims of Delhi model having inspired urban development proposals in the union budget as well.

    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-21825
  • 94. Letters to DMRC, ASI and LG (27-28/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/pst/81fad61a-04ec-4a8f-9021-b39173bae1d6
  • 95. DDA Budget 2005-06 (expenditure proposals) (1), Op.cit.
  • 96. Letter to LG (31/03/2005)
    http://skel.architexturez.net/pst/deeb75f0-a566-483e-8c10-25e4c801a7d3
  • 97. Writ Petition (Civil) No 6500 of 2005
    http://skel.architexturez.net/doc/az-cf-22611
  • 98. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-April/000308.html
  • 99. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-April/000307.html
  • 100. MPISG Cases - Commerce WP(c) 8523/2003, Op. cit.
  • 101. Ibid.
  • 102. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-May/000341.html
  • 103. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-May/000342.html
  • 104. source: http://mail.architexturez.net/pipermail/mpisgmedia/2005-June/000374.html
  • 105. Contempt notice to MCD chief
    NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a contempt notice to MCD Commissioner Rakesh Mehta for his failure to implement its direction to stop commercial and other use farmhouses, banquet halls and parks in the capital contrary to Delhi Master Plan.

    http://www.hindu.com/2005/07/28/stories/2005072807710400.htm (Retrieved 11th August, 2013)
  • 106. MPISG Cases - Commerce WP(c) 8523/2003, Op. cit.