CWG Village builder Emaar MGF to be penalised

NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided to penalise the project developer of the Commonwealth Games Village for violation of FAR norms.

Though the decision was taken in the authority's meeting in September, it was finally confirmed in Thursday's meeting, which was chaired by lieutenant governor Najeeb Jung.

The land-owning agency decided not to allow Emaar MGF to stake claim to the flats, which were built on excess floor area ratio (FAR) that is close to 12,800sq m. DDA will take possession of 28 flats, which were kept aside by the private developer as the matter was sub judice.

"It has been decided to take possession of 28 flats, which have a built-up area of 6329.52 sq m. The shops with a total area of 876.67 sq m will have to be forfeited by the private developer. The properties will be placed under the disposal of the ministry of urban development for appropriate utilization," said an official.

The violations are in the form of extra rooms in some flats and community facilities, etc. "The excess FAR is not compoundable," the official added.

Apart from this, DDA has decided to amend the Delhi Biodiversity Foundation regulation, 2004, and allow recruitment of scientists and experts. "DDA has developed two biodiversity parks (Yamuna Biodiversity Park and Aravali Biodiversity Park) in Delhi. It is also developing similar parks in other parts of the city. It was decided that DDA will hire scientists and other experts for the development and maintenance of such parks," the official said.

DDA also passed a proposal for creation of 54 posts of scientists, landscape architects and other management and technical staff. "At present, we take help from Delhi University experts. With this, we will have our own team of experts to carefully plan and develop biodiversity parks," the official added.

DDA has also cleared a proposal for change in land use for various infrastructure projects.