Pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in 22 areas: DDA walks the talk

NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Friday approved the draft policy for enhancing ‘walkability and green mobility’ in 22 areas and sent it for notification to the ministry of housing and urban affairs.
The draft was approved at a meeting chaired by LG Anil Baijal, who is also DDA chairman, on Friday.
“The draft policy aims to improve pedestrian friendly walkability by strengthening existing pedestrian infrastructure in areas where it is inadequate and development in areas where it is not presently available.This would encourage people to walk for short journeys,” stated a DDA press release.
Earlier, a DDA official said, “Provision of barrier-free footpaths and creation of a continuous pedestrian network as per principles of universal design, including integration with existing public places, parks, green areas and open spaces, are included in the draft policy.”
The areas selected under the project are ITO; Delhi University (North and South Campus); Uttam Nagar crossing; Chandni Chowk (already approved in the 58th UTTIPEC governing body meeting last August and being executed by PWD); ISBT; INA; Hauz Khas –IIT; Nehru Place; Bhikaji Cama Place; Karol Bagh, Saket-Malviya Nagar; Kamla Nagar; Lajpat Nagar; Laxmi Nagar; Sector-21 Metro Station, Dwarka; Adchini on Aurobindo Marg; Old Delhi and New Delhi railway stations; Mandi House; Purana Quila (Pragati Maidan) and Delhi zoo Area; Inderlok station area; Rajendra Place metro station; Asaf Ali Road; and JLN Marg area.
The decision to include more such places in future was also taken at the meeting.
It was also decided that people who bought shops or spaces in commercial centres or hubs developed by a private builder on land acquired during DDA’s auction can approach the authority for an apartment deed. “Further, they can also get their spaces freehold despite non-cooperation from the builder or developer if they are willing to pay all dues of DDA in respect of the building or plot on a pro rata basis,” the release stated.