DDA's lease of hope makes traders go slow

Ruhi Bhasin & Richi Verma / TNN / Mar 27, 2006, 00:29 IST

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DDA's move of allowing mixed land use gave traders a new lease of hope and not much work was done at the offices, which were open on Sunday.

DDA's lease of hope makes traders go slow

NEW DELHI: As Tuesday's deadline for filing affidavits draws near, one would have expected to see panicking traders milling to MCD's deputy commissioners' office to complete formalities.
But DDA's move of allowing mixed land use gave them a new lease of hope and not much work was done at the offices, which were open on Sunday specially for the convenience of traders.
By Sunday, an average of four to six affidavits were filed in each zone even though enquiries were pouring in by the dozen.
A K Ambasht, DC Najafgarh Zone, said that two affidavits had been filed on the previous day. On Sunday, the number had increased by just one. "We expect most traders to wait till the last day before filing affidavits,"he said.

The City Zone saw even lesser work done. No affidavits had been filed by Sunday. "Shopkeepers are just coming and inquiring about the formalities.
None have actually filed an affidavit today. Where will traders get their affidavits attested on a Sunday?"said A K Singla, DC, City Zone. In the Karol Bagh Zone, about five to six affidavits were filed, he said.
Ajay Kumar, DC South Zone, reported that a total of nine affidavits had been filed in the area by Sunday, while around 20 traders came to make inquiries.

In the Central Zone, another five affidavits had been filed by late Sunday evening. Compared to this, 200 traders had come in to make enquiries.
Said an MCD official of the Central Zone: "The most common inquiry is about whether their shops will be in the safety net if mixed land use is implemented.
They also want to know what to include in the affidavit."Most shopkeepers, meanwhile, were still waiting, hopeful that their establishments would come under the mixed land use policy.
Said Satinder Wadhwa, general secretary, GK I main market traders' and professionals' association: "We are waiting to see what develops with the mixed land use policy. If we are left with no alternative but to file an affidavit saying we'll move our shops, then we will do so by March 28."
Some traders alleged that they could not file affidavits due to non-availability of stamp paper. Said Praveen Khandewal, general secretary, Confederation of All India Traders: "Since the move is in accordance with SC's orders, the MCD should ensure that stamp papers for filing affidavits be available. These Rs 10 forms are being sold for up to Rs 300 in the black market."
Those wanting to play it safe, though, filed affidavits by Sunday. Said Hemant Lakhani: "I have two showrooms in the DAV School building, Yusuf Sarai, and have the papers to show that my shops are in the commercial area.
I want to take all necessary precautions because there is still a lot of confusion persisting on the legal status of most areas."

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