Centre, Delhi spar over regularisation of unauthorised colonies in capital

NEW DELHI: Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, saying the whole process of regularising unauthorised colonies in the national Capital was stalled due to "apathy and inaction," of the AAP government, which vehemently rejected his claim. Hitting back at Union Minister Puri, the Delhi government categorically states that the contents of the letter regarding the unauthorized colonies are factually misleading, incorrect and imaginary.

It is a well known fact that the Central government does not like the existence of unauthorized colonies in Delhi and has been opposed to their regularisation. There are over 1,650 unauthorised colonies in the national capital, where migrant population plays a vital role in deciding the fate of any political party during elections.

The Chief Minister will be sending a detailed response rebutting all false allegations made in the letter, this week. Despite stiff opposition from the central government, for the first time in the history of the national capital, the Delhi government has currently undertaken massive developmental works in these colonies. Roads, sewers, water connections, electricity connections and all other basic amenities are being provided at a war footing.

Delhi government is of the clear view that residents of these colonies who have been deprived of basic facilities since decades, have a right to lead their lives with dignity. Delhi government will stiffly oppose all conspiracies of the central government and vested interests to deprive the unauthorized colonies of development.

In the letter, the Housing and Urban Development Affairs Minister Puri cited news reports involving a charge sheet against the CM as he was regularising these colonies. Puri further cited another report of Kejriwal alleging that if the BJP comes to power again at the Centre, it will "demolish " unauthorised colonies. Ministers of Delhi are paying a heavy price for consistently working for the unauthorized colonies.

Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain was booked in a false CBI case for trying hard to develop the unauthorized colonies. Jain was told by the investigating agencies that all his troubles can end if he stops insisting on the development and regularization of unauthorized colonies. Despite such hurdles, Delhi government is committed to develop and regularize these colonies.

No amount of falsehoods, conspiracies and hurdles from the Central government will be able to deter the Delhi government from fulfilling its resolve and commitment on the unauthorized colonies.