Delhi
The building is proposed to be constructed on a land which the DMRC sold to a private firm.
Updated : Nov 02, 2018, 06:15 AM IST
To oppose the construction of a 37-storey high rise building in the North campus, on a public land sold to a private firm, the varsity officials of the Delhi University will cite a 1943 letter written by an official in the Government of British India in the Supreme Court.
The varsity had earlier approached the Delhi High Court in this connection which dismissed the petition in 2015 saying the land was no more a part of the University’s North Campus. They have been opposing the construction saying it will be in violation of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) and compromise with the safety of students.
According to a varsity official, Clause 11.3 of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) says, "Restrictions on tall buildings would be necessary for important areas like Lutyen's Bungalow Zone, Civil lines and North Delhi campus. In the case of Urban Extension, areas for specific Urban Design projects and tall buildings should be identified."
The building is proposed to be constructed on a land which the DMRC sold to a private firm.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had bought the land from the Defence Ministry for Rs 42.4 crore, said a varsity official, adding a portion of the land, which was for public and was even acquired on public money was subsequently sold to a private builder for Rs 218 crore.
The 1943 letter was written by the then joint secretary to the Government of India, the Department of Education, Health and Lands. The letter to the then chief commissioner of Delhi on October 25, 1943, stated that the university should be informed about any kind of construction activities.
"The area of 81.78 acres should lie considered to be a protective belt and the Civil Station Notified Area Committee and the Delhi Improvement Trust (now DDA) should consult the university before building plans are approved by them in respect of land under their control and the president of the Delhi Municipal Committee should be asked to ensure that buildings erected on the land under the committee's control are of good type," states the letter.
"We have presented the matter to the PMO and are hopeful that the prime minister will get the matter investigated,” said Bipin Tiwary, the deputy dean, Works and OSD, Equal Opportunity Cell in the DU.