The Times of India 08.01.2010
DDA brings in element of accountability
NEW DELHI: The city's land agency is planning to go for a makeover. Delhi Develoment Authority (DDA) vice-chairman AK Nigam has announced a slew of measures to upgrade the efficiency of the agency. What could come as pleasant news for Delhiites is the decision to pin accountability on DDA officials.
DDA officials confirmed that the agency was planning to implement several changes, starting with the decision to put one single nodal officer in charge of a project. So a senior officer, in the rank of principal commissioner, would be held accountable for monitoring and implementation of a project, though the work may be done through various other departments. For instance, maintenance, upgradation and other related work of master plan roads would be the responsibility of one project officer instead of putting one master plan road under difefrent chief engineers depending on the zone concerned. Sources in DDA said the single authority approach is being adopted for increased monitoring and accountability.
And what could further gladden the hearts of citydwellers is the decision of DDA to put all its records in electronic format. DDA spokesperson Neemo Dhar said, "Weeding of records and construction of record rooms coupled with shifting the records in electronic format are expected to be taken up to ensure that a proper data base for consumer satisfaction and retrieval of information is created.''
That's not all. DDA is also planning to set up an international co-operation division, which will interact with urban planning bodies of other countries to come up with best practices that can be adapted for the city's needs. Dhar said, "The division will be in touch with planning bodies world over to work out strategies for development keeping in view the best international practices.''
Also, the land agency plans to focus on a number of projects this year, including in-situ development of slums and making the city green. While its ongoing in-situ project at four locations will get a further fillip, DDA intends to go full-steam ahead on the development of the Yamuna riverfront. Four bio-diversity parks which have been planned will be taken up speedily in association with Delhi University. Development of Coronation Park along with upgradation of existing sports complexes and development of four new sports complexes will provide impetus to ensure speedy completion.
The DDA is also looking to put its own house in order. As a step in this direction, several HR initiatives are being initiated to enthuse its current employees while looking to infuse fresh blood through recruitments.
