Thousands of industrial workers in Delhi await good news as the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) prepares to sell nearly 4,350 long-delayed low-cost flats in Bawana, northwest Delhi. These flats, part of a project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, were constructed over a decade ago but remained unallotted due to administrative challenges. Initially intended to address housing needs in Bawana and nearby areas, the project encountered hurdles including regulatory requirements. With pending approvals now in progress, DSIIDC aims to finalise sales within six months, bolstered by enhanced security measures to protect these properties from theft and damage.
Thousands of industrial workers in Delhi might finally have some good news. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) is gearing up to sell nearly 4,350 low-cost flats in Bawana, northwest Delhi. These flats were built over a decade ago but remained unallotted due to various reasons.
The project, launched under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, aimed to provide affordable housing for industrial workers in Bawana, Narela, and nearby areas. With a goal of building 34,260 low-cost houses, DSIIDC had completed 17,660 by the first decade of the 21st century. However, only a few hundred flats were initially allotted, and some were even transferred to the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Dusib) for slum rehabilitation.
In 2022, DSIIDC tried to sell the remaining 4,348 flats, measuring between 27 and 32 square metres, directly. However,their efforts were halted by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), which mandates registration for selling any flats. Since the flats were built before RERA's existence, DSIIDC is now working on completing the necessary formalities. This includes obtaining approvals and clearances from various agencies like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD),Delhi Urban Art Commission, Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Jal Board, and DDA, apart from obtaining occupancy certificates for these completed low-cost group housing industrial flats.
Officials are optimistic about completing the process within six months and resuming sales. This will be a welcome relief for industrial workers and other individuals seeking affordable housing options in the area.
The long period of vacancy has unfortunately led to security issues in the flats. Thefts of fittings and structural materials have been reported. To address this, DSIIDC is also planning to hire security guards for all its housing projects across the city, including the Bawana flats. These guards will be responsible for protecting the property from theft and vandalism. They will also ensure the flats are not illegally occupied. This added layer of security will be crucial in maintaining the condition of the flats until they are sold.
With the RERA hurdle addressed and security measures in place, these affordable flats in Bawana are finally on track to reach their intended beneficiaries the industrial workforce and residents seeking budget-friendly housing options in the area.