In February 2003 MoUD announced that a Plan modification has been notified to permit in five special industrial areas all types of industries. In view of recent court directions against misuse of industrial space, this stands out for its brazenness in the larger clutch of 'policies' being announced and demanded to downsize legitimate entitlements in use of planned industrial space.

Regularisation of industries in industrial areas not meant for them

MoUD has announced a Plan modification to permit in five special industrial areas all types of industries, including extensive (F-category) industries that had to be relocated if already existing in 1990 and were prohibited thereafter. The five industrial areas covered by the announcement were all earmarked 'Light Industrial Areas' for specific industrial activities. Wazirpur, Naraina Ph.2 and GT Karnal Road industrial areas were meant for Group-I industries (a. Cotton, wool, silk & synthetic fibre, textile products, and b. Furniture, fixtures, other wood & paper products). Naraina Ph.1 was meant for Group-II industries (a. Electric & electronic appliances and b. Leather & fur product, rubber, plastic & petroleum products). Lawrence Road was meant for food, allied & compatible units in category G-I

For light industries the Plan earmarked at least five types of space: (a) 1533 Ha spread over 16 new estates in urban extensions, (b) flatted factories in sites already proposed in 1962, (c) service centres, (d) planned commercial centres, (e) space created in existing industrial areas by shifting H-category and F-category units out. The Plan designated 5 of the existing light industrial areas and 6 of the 16 new ones proposed for specific industries. The Plan does not explicate the rationale for this, but two types of planning rationale are likely. One certain types of units, such as Group-II, had come up in excess of what was earlier anticipated, requiring special areas to be marked out. Two, certain areas had lower nuisance-handling or infrastructure capacity than others, requiring limiting of range of units permissible to those of a mutually compatible nature.

Obviously, any Plan modification relating to special industrial areas must carefully consider, besides characteristics of the areas, entitlements of special industry units citywide in the context of overall status of development of industrial space according to Plan. Even as consolidated planning data is mandatory at present on account of the ongoing Plan revision, the decision to allow all types of units in special industry areas has been reportedly taken on 'basis' like persistent requests and some earlier, possibly equally unconsidered, Plan modification. Likewise, 'benefits' attributed to the decision relate not to furtherance of Plan goals but to flexibility to change trade. Mandatory Plan modification process, inclusive of Public Notice for inviting objections and suggestions, has also been skirted.

  • 2003.02.08: Question about contempt of court: Letter1
  • 2003.02.06: Delhi BJP Chief quoted saying Committee is to revise affidavit about misuse of industrial space: News report
  • 2003.02.04: Objection raising 12 questions: Letter2
  • 2003.02.04: Union Urban Development Minister announces regularisation of all units in 5 special industry areas: News reports3
  • 2003.01.29: BJP Delhi chief announces decision to regularise all units in 5 special industry areas: News reports4
 
Posted by Gita Dewan Verma: 2003-02-11, last modified July 10, 2006