State Bureau, New Delhi: In a major update for families living in Delhi Development Authority (DDA) flats, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has approved a comprehensive revised policy to regularise and grant new permissions for additional construction, extensions, and internal alterations in DDA flats.

This new policy will apply equally to all categories of DDA flats located in both notified and non-notified areas of Delhi. The changes under this policy are broadly divided into three categories:

1. Category-One: Exemptions granted without notice or prior permission (minor changes)
This category includes minor alterations that do not require any structural changes and can be carried out by flat owners without informing the DDA or the Municipal Corporation:

-Grill and glass fittings: Increasing the height of the verandah and balcony or terrace parapet by five to seven feet by installing grill or glass.

-Courtyard Alterations: Raising the front and rear courtyard walls by seven feet, and installing or relocating a door without affecting any shared walkways.

ALSO READ: CSP Housing Scheme: DDA Opens Registration For 39 EWS Flats in Dwarka; Who Can Apply, Price Details

-Balconies: Extension of maximum 2.5 feet wide balcony over existing windows and doors facing courtyard.

-Water tanks and scaffolding: Placing additional plastic water tanks (total capacity up to 550 litres) on the ground floor or roof of scooter/car garage, keeping in mind the structural strength, and constructing scaffolding inside the rooms.

-Window conversion into a wardrobe: Converting a window into a wardrobe without any external protrusion or structural modification.

-Charging for vehicles: Setting up of charging facilities for electric vehicles as per Government of India policy in the designated parking area.

2. Category-Two: Changes allowed only with notice or specific permission (major changes)
This category includes major changes that may require structural modifications or alterations to service lines. Notification and permission must be obtained from the prescribed authority:

-Covering of open terrace: Temporarily covering the available open terrace with light weight material and glass as per approved plan.

-Kitchen and Toilet Relocation: Kitchen and bathroom locations can be interchanged without affecting the main drainage and sewage system, provided you have the No Objection Certificate from all the residents of your block and approval from Indraprastha Gas Limited.

-Extension of stairs: Where the common staircase does not lead directly to the roof, extension of stairs may be done subject to structural safety and with the joint consent of seventy-five per cent of the residents or the Resident Welfare Association.

-Reconstruction: In case of single storey or duplex flats, demolition of the old structure and fresh construction within the original norms (land coverage, height) will be allowed.

-Solar Power Panels: Installation of solar power panels on a common rooftop with the consent of the Resident Welfare Association or seventy-five percent of the residents of the block.

3. Category-Three: Additional coverage only with prior permission. Complete prior permission is mandatory for construction under this category:

-Courtyard Covering: Permitted to cover the ground floor courtyard up to the first floor level with a permanent structure as per the layout plan.

-Right to construct on upper floors: Owners of upper floors residing in multi-storey flats (up to four floors) will have the right to construct permanently on the area available as a result of covering the courtyard or terrace of the lower floor.

-Rear Courtyard Toilet: Construction of additional bathroom and toilet in the rear courtyard with proper drainage system and connection.

ALSO READ: DDA Flats In Dwarka: Reserve Apartments For 31 Lakh; Check Eligibility, Registration Dates And More

Regulatory Conditions And Online Application Process

DDA has clearly stated that any kind of encroachment on public land will not be tolerated while availing the benefits of this policy.

Earthquake safety of buildings is paramount, hence it will be mandatory to conduct structural audit for all buildings constructed before March 21, 2001.

For the convenience of flat owners, the application process has been made completely online. Owners can submit digital plans and required documents, jointly certified by a registered architect and a recognised structural engineer, to the online portal.

Apart from this, the constructions which have already been done within the scope of the prescribed rules can also be made legal by paying the prescribed fee.