Demonetisation shadow looms over DDA scheme

Meagre applications also cause of rate corrections in realty sector

One month after the housing scheme offering 12,000 flats of different categories in different locations, the DDA received only 5,000 forms, although 50,000 forms were sold by the authority

The demonetisation drive has badly hit the DDA as the authority’s flagship housing scheme has received only a meagre number of applications so far. One month after launching its housing scheme offering 12,000 flats of different categories in different locations, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has received only 5,000 forms, although 50,000 forms were sold by the authority. The scheme was launched on June 30. Explaining the reasons behind the poor response,

the DDA’s principal commissioner (land disposal and housing), JP Agrawal, said that demonetisation is one of the reasons.

Apart from demonetisation, the general slump and rate correction in the realty sector are other reasons for the poor response, added Mr Agrawal.

In the absence of proper response and the lesser number of applications, the DDA may extend the date for the drawing of lots.

“Depending on the scenario, a decision will be taken to extend the date on the last day of form submission, which is August 11,” said Mr Agrawal.

The flats are sited all over Delhi in colonies like Rohini, Dwarka, Narela, Siraspur, Jasola, Pitam Pura, Paschim Vihar, Jahangir Puri, Vasant Kunj, and Sukhdev Vihar. In order to reach all sections of the society, there is a mix of one, two, and three bedroom flats. Around 10,000 unoccupied flats are from the 2014 housing scheme.

Responding to the complaints of lack of basic infrastructure or unavailability of potable water, Mr Agrawal said that the authority is in touch with all the agencies and that services will be made available shortly.

“Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has recently committed to provide piped drinking water in these localities in the next six months. The DDA has written to DMRC and DTC to provide connectivity to these areas,” added Mr Agrawal.

—PTI NBA player Kevin Durant, from the Golden State Warriors (not in picture), teaches a technique to children during his tour of NBA Academy in Greater Noida on Friday.