Vested interests misguiding Kathputli Colony residents: DDA

NEW DELHI: Officials of Delhi Development Authority on Friday said that some vested interests who were illegally controlling a substantive portion of valuable DDA land at Kathputli Colony tried to hamper the rehabilitation of the colony's residents.

Officials said that these vested interests, in order to continue their illegal activities, were misguiding residents and telling them not to shift from the area. As a result, they were depriving the residents of availing permanent residences with full ownership rights, the officials added.

"Once the residents of Kathputli Colony are shifted, redevelopment work of the area would be started immediately. Eligible residents who have been shifted to the transit camp will be given EWS (economically weaker section) houses with ownership rights," DDA officials stated.

They added that the houses would have built up area of 30 square metres, along with bedroom, kitchen, toilet and a lobby.

Amenities such as school, parks, dispensary, etc, would also be provided in the neighbourhood.

"We are committed to ensure each and every dweller of the colony, who is eligible as per the rehabilitation policy or is declared eligible by the Appellate Authority, to allow transit accommodation," said the officials.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday had said he will request Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to stop the "brutality" meted out to the residents.