DDA to allot land for new diplomatic enclave in Dwarka

In a major decision aimed at addressing needs of diplomats, the government on Wednesday gave its nod for development of a new diplomatic enclave, that is all set to come up in Dwarka. The second such enclave dedicated for diplomats would be developed at 34.87 hectare of land in Sector 24 of Dwarka. The first such enclave for diplomats is in Chanakyapuri, wherein embassies, consulates of almost every important country are situated.

Paving way for a second diplomatic enclave in Dwarka, the Cabinet, which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved transfer of 34.87 hectare of land from Delhi Development Authority to Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Urban Development Ministry. This land would be transferred to diplomatic missions and international organisations for building their chanceries and embassies. 

A senior ministry official said: “Given that embassies of several countries are situated in different colonies of the city due to non-availability of land for them in Chanakyapuri, they have been demanding permanent land for a very long period. The proposal was biting the dust for several months and now the decision has been finally taken.”

The official further said: “After L&DO takes possession of the allotted land, it would be developed by Central Public Works Department to build infrastructure. The developed plots would be handed over to the Ministry of External Affairs, which would be allotted to the concerned countries to building their consulates or embassies.” 

The move comes after ministry of External Affairs mooted the proposal for additional land for allotment to diplomatic missions in a second diplomatic enclave. After the Urban Development Ministry found no land available for allotment to foreign missions in Chanakyapuri area, it identified land in Sector 24, Dwarka.

Development of Diplomatic Enclave in Delhi was initiated in 1949 on 328 hectare of land in Chanakyapuri. An additional 132 hectare was added as Diplomatic Enclave Extension in 1953. Out of this total 460 hectare, 147 hectare has been allotted to 76 missions and embassies. 

The rest 317 hectare of land has been utilised for parks, roads, infrastructure, schools, hospitals and residential plots.