DDA to convert its under-utilized community centres as libraries
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will convert many of its hitherto under-utilized community centres/halls as libraries and reading rooms, an official statement said on Thursday.
With the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) gone on a two-day ‘Delhi bandh’ from Friday to condemn the Municipal Corporations ‘sealing drive’ in the capital, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) today approved changes to the city’s Master Plan.
The step has been taken to provide relief to traders hit by the sealing drive. The proposed amendments in the Master Plan include — increasing Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of local shopping complexes (LSCs) from existing 180 per cent to 300 per cent, and regularising agricultural godowns on 12-metre wide roads.
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A statement from the development authority said that under these amendments, commercial activity in the basements will be allowed in all commercial areas “subject to payment of requisite charges without any discrimination”.
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The decision was taken at a meeting headed by Lt Governor Anil Baijal, who is chairman of DDA.
Meanwhile, the CAIT, which claims the support of 2,000 traders’ associations, said the traders were shutting shop to “lodge a strong protest against arbitrary sealing of commercial establishments in Delhi”.
Popular markets in Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, South Extension, Greater Kailash, Lajpat Nagar, Defence Colony and Green Park, among others are likely to remain closed on 2 and 3 February.
The sealing drive is being carried out by a Supreme Court-appointed Monitoring Committee against business establishments using residential properties for commercial purposes, and is being implemented by the three BJP-led municipal corporations.
(with IANS inputs)
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