NEW DELHI: In a significant policy move, the Delhi Cabinet led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday expressed appreciation to the Centre for approving the regularisation of 1,511 unauthorised colonies across the capital. During a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, a resolution was unanimously adopted acknowledging the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal in enabling the decision.
Describing the development as a turning point, the Chief Minister said it would provide long awaited relief and legal security to millions of residents who have lived in uncertainty for decades. Cabinet ministers termed the step a moment of relief and progress for communities that have struggled with inadequate infrastructure and limited civic services.
Gupta emphasised that the move is not just about legal recognition but also about restoring dignity and enabling structured development. She said coordinated efforts between the Centre and the Delhi government will now focus on improving infrastructure, ensuring planned growth, and enhancing living standards in these areas.
To support this transition, the Delhi government has allocated ₹800 crore in its 2026–27 budget aimed at upgrading civic amenities in these colonies. The Chief Minister noted that the initiative will accelerate development work and significantly improve residents’ quality of life.
Under the framework, 1,511 out of Delhi’s 1,731 unauthorised colonies will be granted legal status on an “as-is, where-is” basis. Layout plan approvals will not be required, and all properties will be recognised as residential units. The move is expected to directly benefit nearly 45 lakh people.
In a notable administrative shift, the responsibility for implementing the regularisation process has been transferred from the Delhi Development Authority to the Delhi government’s Revenue Department. A structured timeline has been introduced, including seven days for GIS based surveys, 15 days for resolving discrepancies, and a strict 45-day deadline for issuing ownership documents.
Applications for the scheme will begin from April 24, 2026, via the Swagam portal, making the process more accessible and time-bound.
Highlighting the broader context, Gupta pointed out that rapid population growth over the past two decades has led to the expansion of unauthorised settlements. She said this initiative marks a crucial step towards integrating such areas into planned urban development and bringing them into the formal framework of the city.