New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has completed drone surveys in 150 of the 1,511 unauthorised colonies eligible for regularisation under the Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) and aims to complete the exercise within the next 15 days. Surveys are currently underway at multiple locations.The civic body has also activated its SWAGAM portal, with registration by eligible residents expected to begin from April 24.“Following the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ decision to regularise houses in 1,511 unauthorised colonies on an ‘as-is, where-is’ basis, drone surveys are being conducted to capture details of existing vertical and horizontal constructions. This will facilitate the grant of ownership rights. Colony boundaries are also being mapped,” an MCD official said, adding that the exercise is likely to be completed in two to three weeks.The survey is being carried out by the Survey of India, the national mapping agency under the Department of Science and Technology. Officials said the exercise is critical to prevent unauthorised expansion beyond permissible norms and building bylaws.“Unauthorised colonies have developed on both govt and private land. For govt land, conveyance deeds will be required from Delhi Development Authority (DDA), while ownership of private land will be verified by the Delhi govt’s revenue department through authorisation slips,” a senior official said.Eligible applicants can approach MCD through around 700 empanelled architects for building plan regularisation. “The process is similar to the Saral Scheme, where smaller plots are approved based on architect-submitted plans. However, construction must adhere to a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 350, beyond which additional charges will apply. Drone surveys will help streamline approvals,” the official added.As of March 31, around 40,000 conveyance deeds and authorisation slips have been issued by the DDA.Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the move recognises the challenge of regularising densely populated colonies without large-scale demolition. “By allowing regularisation, the Prime Minister has provided significant relief to lakhs of families,” he added.A drone survey will be conducted at regular intervals. Around 200 sq. km of these colonies will be surveyed. A meeting with Survey of India officials was also held on Thursday to coordinate the process..
