Hope for houses in heritage zones

For years, 78-year-old S L Mittal has been waiting to add a floor to his one-storey residence in Kotla Mubarakpur. But because Mittal's property is 92m from the ASI-protected Kale Khan Ka Gumbad, he has been unable to get the nod. But, a new move by the culture ministry to bring amendments in the ASI Act of 2010 could grant him his wish. 

The culture ministry has proposed to categorize all centrally-protected monuments as A, B and C based on significance, location and size. Protection accorded to each building will be based on the category it is placed in. 

If Kale Khan Ka Gumbad is categorized B or C, Mittal might just receive permission to build the first floor—with the prohibited zone radius getting reduced from 100m to 50 or less. Mittal is not alone; there are thousands others waiting for the amendment to undertake essential repairs and constructions in their homes. 

Curbs on construction within 100 metres of monuments were first imposed when the ASI Act was framed in 1992, but permissions continued to be granted on case-to-case basis. 

However, the 2010 amendment and formation of National Monuments Authority led to a blanket ban on such constructions. Strict regulations were imposed on development within 100-300m of monuments. 

Delhi has hundreds of monuments located in midst of residential colonies, mostly in south and central Delhi. In areas like Gulmohar Park, Safdarjung Enclave, Hauz Khas, South Extension, Mehrauli, Saket, Malviya Nagar, Rana Pratap Bagh and Nizamuddin, the new law has hit hard. 

People who built homes or bought plots much before the ASI Act came into force in 1992 say the curbs are a travesty of justice. "I can't move a brick in my single-storey house that was built in 1969. Some of my family members have medical problems and I need a second floor. Since my house lies 97m from the boundary of Biran Ka Gumbad, I cannot construct anything," said a Green Park resident. 

Almost 80% of South Extension falls within prohibited and regulated zones. 

"The colony was built in 1959. At that time, most people could only afford a ground floor. As time passed and people came into money, they built additional floors to accommodate their growing families. Then the Act came into force. Many houses are now falling to pieces because just getting permission for repairs is a long process. The property value here is less than that in even Okhla," said Manjeet Singh, general secretary, Association Of Citizens. 

In Shivalik Colony, empty plots can be seen on the main road and these serve as parking lots. "The owners cannot build their homes here because the plots fall in the prohibited zone of Sarai Shahji. They are just waiting for some relief in ASI Act so they can build their dream homes," Ajit Banerjee, a resident, said.

SOURCE: The Times Of India