No one can claim right over common areas; DDA frames policy for its flats

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In a move that is likely to end disputes across the national capital arising from the confusion over the ownership of the shared spaces in Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flats, the authority came out with an unequivocal order stating that ‘the common area in the DDA flats belongs to all and no one can claim their rights on these spaces, including the roof, terrace or staircases of the blocks.’

The Indian Express reported that these orders were issued by DDA to put an end to complaints about regular neighbourhood disputes over common spaces in the flats built by the agency. The publication quoted an unnamed official as saying that allottees of DDA flats often approached the authority seeking clarifications on the issue of access to roofs and the construction of structures on the terraces.

Rooftop solar panels allowed

DDA also sought to end another dispute regarding the installation of rooftop solar panels. The new policy of the DDA states that all rooftop solar panels installed for domestic use were allowed on the terraces of DDA flats.

Common areas that include terraces and common staircases belong to all the residents and owners of the block and cannot be used by any particular resident or groups exclusively, the DDA said in its order. The directions came after a high-level meeting was held by the authority attended by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor and Chairman of DDA, Anil Baijal and vice-chairperson Anurag Jain.

Other big decisions

The authority also finalized the proposal for the construction of a multi-level 3000-car parking facility near the proposed Nabi Karim Metro station, in Central Delhi. This car parking facility is expected to help ease congestion of vehicular traffic for traders and visitors of the wholesale market in the Sadar Bazar area. Visitors to New Delhi Railway Station will also have an alternative space to park their cars in the vicinity.

The Indian Express quoted an unnamed senior DDA official as saying, “To cater to the acute demand of parking in the area, the authority has given final approval for the change of land use for lands measuring 2.6 hectares, from residential to transportation, for multi-level car parking on Idgah Road.”

All these recommendations will now be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, under which the DDA operates, for final approval and notification.