Neemo Dhar
Advisor - PR, DDA
It had been reported in certain section of the press that Delhi Cabinet had initiated the move for transfer of all Delhi Development Authority roads of over 60 feet width to the PWD under a plan of action to make PWD the umbrella body for construction and repair of roads in the city. The general impression after news reports is that DDA is not maintaining the roads and therefore, the same are being transferred to PWD.
It is clarified for general information that roads in NCR having right of way 30 meter and above are classified as Master Plan roads as per the Master Plan- 2001. As per policy / guideline of Govt. of India / Government of Delhi these roads have to be constructed and maintained by PWD only and the funds are allocated from plan funds by Planning Commission through PWD. In 1992, on Delhi Administration’s expressing inability to take up these roads, Delhi Development Authority in its meeting held on 11.6.1992 accepted the proposal of construction of roads of 30 meter and above in development area by DDA itself. Based on this decision DDA has constructed Master Plan roads in its development areas of Dwarka, Rohini, Narela and Trans Yamuna area from its own funds. Public Accounts Committee in its 55th report had noted that the construction of these roads comes under the purview of PWD, GNCTD and that the DDA had taken a decision to construct these roads from its own funds. The Committee had urged DDA to hold consultations with GNCTD and to put an end to this practice. Accordingly, DDA has taken up the matter with GNCTD, PWD at the highest level so that all Master Plan roads are taken over by PWD for maintenance. On DDA’s insistence / letters PWD is going to take over these roads from DDA.