New Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Friday approved a budget of Rs 14,962 crore for the 2026–27 financial year, registering a revenue surplus of Rs 2,112 crore (till Feb 18), making this the third consecutive year for it to happen.
The meeting, chaired by lieutenant governor VK Saxena, cleared key proposals that included the urbanisation of 48 rural villages, approval of a detailed advertisement policy to augment revenue, land for Atal Canteens, and relaxations for universities in the Narela sub-city.
Urbanising 48 villages
To bridge infrastructure gaps, DDA has approved a proposal to urbanise 48 villages that are categorised as rural right now. Delhi has 357 villages, of which 309 are already urbanised. The remaining 48, identified by the land and building department of Delhi govt, are near urban areas but continue to be governed by agricultural land-use norms under the Delhi Land Reforms Act.
Officials said development work in the villages is time-consuming as land-use changes and approval from Delhi govt's revenue dept are needed.
"The authority will request MCD to declare them urban under Section 507 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957. The move will align with the newly constituted revenue sub-divisions and districts. Once urbanised, these villages will become eligible for policies such as land pooling, green area development, regeneration of planned and unplanned areas, and transit oriented development," a DDA official said.
Advertisement policy for revenue generation
In a bid to strengthen revenue streams, DDA has approved an advertisement policy for its vast land parcels and properties. The policy will function in sync with the Delhi Outdoor Advertising Policy (OAP), 2017, under which regulation of advertisements in public view falls within MCD's domain.
Officials said DDA plans to adopt a revenue-sharing model, similar to other agencies such as the metro and the railways. However, advertisements displayed within DDA parks and complexes will not require revenue sharing.
"According to the OAP, regulating advertisements in public view is the domain of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Similar to other agencies, we decided to work on a revenue-sharing model after signing an MoU since we have lots of properties, including parks, sports complexes/golf courses, and vacant land," an official said.
Land for Atal Canteens, Gram Sabha properties
The authority has also approved the allotment of vacant land for Atal Canteens. The land will be leased to Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board at a token Re 1 per year for up to nine years.
Additionally, built-up gram sabha properties in urbanised villages will be allotted to departments and civic bodies on a licence basis under an "as is where is" arrangement, aligned with the Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan.
Boost to Narela education hub
DDA has approved relaxation in premium and interest on delayed payments for land allotted to seven govt universities in the Narela sub-city. The proposal will be sent to the ministry of housing and urban affairs for approval.
Vibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of...
Read MoreVibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, having dedicated 18 years to journalism. She has carved a niche in civic affairs and urban infrastructure reporting, delving into the fundamental aspects of urban administration, including sanitation, taxation, city planning, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, while examining Delhi's grassroots operations. As a veteran civic journalist, her reporting illuminates the daily urban challenges confronting Delhi, encompassing municipal taxation frameworks, circular economy, infrastructure enhancement and land utilisation regulations.
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