Delhi's urban landscape is set for a significant transformation under the proposed Master Plan for 2047. This ambitious framework introduces new redevelopment routes for residents of old DDA flats, government colonies, and various housing societies across the capital.
Modernizing Delhi's Ageing Housing Stock
The core objective of the Delhi Master Plan 2047 is to address the city's burgeoning housing demand and modernize its ageing infrastructure. Dilapidated buildings and older housing complexes are slated for demolition and replacement with contemporary multi-storey structures. This initiative promises residents potentially new and larger flats, coupled with vastly improved amenities and urban facilities.
Key Policy Changes Driving Redevelopment
A pivotal change in the new framework is the substantial reduction in the minimum land requirement for group housing redevelopment. Previously set at 40,000 square metres, this has been lowered to just 3,000 square metres. This adjustment is expected to enable a greater number of smaller and older societies to participate in redevelopment projects, including through plot amalgamation where necessary.
Furthermore, redevelopment projects may benefit from an additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of up to 1.5 times the base FAR. This provision allows developers to construct more space on the same plot, facilitating the creation of new homes. While existing residents are rehabilitated, additional flats generated can be sold commercially by builders to recoup costs and generate profit.
Enhanced Facilities and Green Living
New housing complexes developed under the Master Plan 2047 are envisioned with modern facilities. These include essential upgrades such as lifts, underground or multi-level parking, wider internal roads, and improved water and sewerage systems. The plan also proposes removing the general 18-metre height restriction, though specific height limits will remain in force near airports, heritage sites, and security-sensitive areas.
Environmental sustainability is a strong focus. The plan mandates several green requirements for new developments: wastewater treatment and reuse, recycling of wet and green waste, and a commitment to source at least 5% of electricity from renewable sources like solar energy. Rainwater harvesting through ponds and percolation pits is also proposed, alongside requirements for maintaining at least 50% of society land as parks or greenery, and planting large shade-giving trees across 30% of the total area.
Scope and Future Housing Targets
The redevelopment model primarily targets old colonies, cooperative housing societies, DDA housing, and government colonies. Decisions on redevelopment will involve residents and their respective Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) or housing societies, with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) overseeing compliance and implementation.
However, the framework explicitly excludes unauthorized colonies, urban villages, slum clusters, the Yamuna floodplain, and designated bungalow zones such as Lutyens' Delhi and Civil Lines. This targeted approach aims to generate an estimated 7 lakh additional homes, contributing significantly to Delhi's projected requirement of over 40 lakh additional homes by 2047. This demand is also planned to be met through transit-oriented development, land pooling, and affordable housing initiatives.