The Times of India 08.01.2010

DDA brings in element of accountability

TNN, 8 January 2010, 02:19am IST

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.

Indian Express 08.01.2010

For city, DDA looks at best urban practices

Emerging from a housing scam that cast a shadow over its already waning image in 2009, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is in the mood for a makeover.

The land authority, which has been criticised often for taking decades to upgrade its outdated flat designs, recently set up an International Cooperation Division (ICD). A statement issued by the DDA explains that the division has “been created for adopting the best practices in urban development in the context of Delhi. The division will be in touch with planning bodies the world over to work out strategies for development...”

Headed by Vijay Risbud, former commissioner of DDA (Planning) and now a consultant with the land agency, the ICD aims to branch out and keep abreast of technical advancements all over the world.

“We want to study various experiments being conducted in large cities the world over, such as a recent focus on ‘New Urbanism’ and sustainable development. Another concept we would like to study is reducing dependence on transport by creating urban infrastructure that encourages walking,” Risbud told Newsline.

Set up recently, the ICD is still finding its footing. The division has, however, already had its first external meeting — with the city of Barcelona. “Several officials from Barcelona came to visit us and made a detailed presentation about inner city redevelopment in Barcelona, and how they have converted heritage buildings while conserving their heritage value. It was very interesting; a lot of lessons were learnt,” Risbud said.

After studying international models, the authority would like to focus on whether they can be adopted, with or without amendments, for the benefit of the Capital, Risbud added. “We will conduct research, speak to relevant authorities at the national and international levels to know if these practices can be replicated in the Capital.”

While this is lofty aspiration for an agency that is yet to complete digitalising of its records, Risbud is highly optimistic. “We recently studied a model in Sweden where they have started redeveloping abandoned industrial areas,” he says enthusiastically.

Convert to e-filing in a year: DDA V-C
In tune with the present focus on progress, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) vice-chairman has directed that all records maintained by the DDA be weeded and shifted to the electronic format over the next year.

“This is being done to ensure that we have a proper database for consumer satisfaction as well as for the retrieval of information,” a senior agency official said.