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The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is considering a reduction in regularisation charges for unauthorised constructions after receiving a limited response to the recently launched SWAGAM portal. Introduced to facilitate self-declaration and regularisation of building deviations, the portal has seen fewer applications than anticipated since its rollout. Civic officials are now evaluating revisions to the fee structure to encourage greater participation from property owners and improve compliance with building regulations. The proposal is part of MCD's broader effort to address unauthorised construction through a digital framework rather than relying solely on enforcement measures. Any reduction in charges is expected to benefit owners of residential and commercial properties seeking to regularise deviations and obtain approvals under the scheme.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is planning to reduce regularisation charges under its SWAGAM portal after the initiative witnessed a weaker-than-expected response from property owners. The proposal, currently under consideration, is aimed at encouraging more applicants to come forward and disclose unauthorised building deviations through the online self-regularisation mechanism introduced by the civic body.
The SWAGAM portal was launched to provide property owners with an opportunity to regularise certain categories of unauthorised construction by submitting applications digitally and paying prescribed charges. The system was designed to simplify the regularisation process, improve transparency and reduce dependence on physical interactions with municipal offices. However, officials indicated that the number of applications received since the portal's launch has remained below expectations.
According to MCD officials, one of the key concerns raised by property owners relates to the cost of regularisation. In response, the civic body is examining the possibility of lowering the applicable charges to make the scheme more attractive and improve participation levels. The proposed revision is expected to be placed before the appropriate authorities for consideration before a final decision is taken.
The initiative forms part of MCD's broader strategy to tackle unauthorised construction across Delhi through a combination of compliance measures and enforcement action. By providing a formal mechanism for regularisation, the civic body aims to bring more properties within the regulatory framework while improving the accuracy of municipal property records.
Officials stated that increasing participation in the SWAGAM scheme is important for ensuring that building data maintained by the corporation reflects actual on-ground construction. Greater compliance could also help streamline future approvals, inspections and property-related administrative processes. The portal was envisaged as a technology-driven solution that would enable property owners to voluntarily declare deviations and resolve pending compliance issues.
The issue of unauthorised construction has remained a significant urban governance challenge in Delhi, with large numbers of residential and mixed-use properties having deviations from sanctioned building plans. Civic authorities have frequently undertaken demolition drives and enforcement actions against illegal construction, while also exploring policy measures that encourage voluntary compliance.
MCD officials believe that revising the fee structure may improve the effectiveness of the portal and attract a larger number of applicants. Discussions are currently underway regarding the extent of the proposed reduction and the categories of properties that may be covered. The civic body is expected to finalise the revised framework after reviewing feedback received from stakeholders and assessing the initial performance of the portal.
If approved, the reduction in charges could provide relief to property owners seeking to regularise unauthorised portions of their buildings while supporting MCD's objective of expanding compliance through a structured digital platform. The move would also represent an attempt to balance enforcement with incentives as the corporation seeks wider adoption of the SWAGAM scheme.
Source - PTI
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