New Delhi: Delhi govt will urbanise 48 villages to promote planned and integrated development across the capital. Most of the 48 proposed urban villages are concentrated in southwest and outer north Delhi.“Delhi’s villages are vital to our heritage and development. Planned development for these 48 villages is crucial to improving basic amenities and quality of life. Our goal is balanced, inclusive growth that integrates these communities into mainstream development while preserving their identity,” chief minister Rekha Gupta said.In southwest Delhi, particularly around Najafgarh, Matiala and Bijwasan, the plan covers Dhansa, Rawta, Jhatikara, Kanganheri, Ghumanhera, Shikarpur, Issapur, Kair, Mundela Kalan, Mundela Khurd, Bakargarh and Galibpur. The outer north expansion highlights the Narela and Bawana belts, including Bakoli, Hamidpur, Palla, Kulakpur, Rajpur Kalan, Tajpur Kalan, Mungeshpur, Auchandi and Shahpur Garhi.An official said the decision taken under Section 507(a) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, integrates these 48 villages into Delhi’s urban planning framework. This transition allows the govt to assess future needs and coordinate the development of roads, water supply and sewerage. The urbanisation process will help align land use and development opportunities with the Draft Master Plan 2041.The villages will be urbanised after the notification is issued. “It will bring clarity regarding their urban status and the legal and administrative rules applicable to them,” said an official, noting that all construction, land-use changes and development must comply with relevant building regulations, approved plans and necessary permissions.Chaudhary Surender Solanki, head of Palam 360, an umbrella body of all villages of Delhi, noted that with all 357 Delhi villages now organised, none remain rural. “This move clears the path for long-term development if the govt implements its land pooling policy and other development plans,” said Solanki.
