Army tells govt to provide land in Dwarka

“There is a shortage of accommodation in Delhi for defence personnel. During phase I of our project,3,500 flats were constructed for married officers. About 3,000 more will come up by 2014. However,we are still short of land as many units and establishments are based in Delhi,” Major General Manvender Singh,General Officer Commanding (Delhi),said.

Though the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has already identified land in Dwarka,it is mostly owned by farmers. The Army has asked the government to foot the bill for land acquisition. “It will take us a couple of years to clear litigations and other claims made by private owners,” a senior Delhi government official said.

The Army has asked the government to clear encroachments,especially JJ clusters that have come up on defence land at Kirbi Place and Brar Square.

The Army also raised a host of other issues,including severe water shortage in the Cantonment area. Till 1991,it was being supplied 10 MGD of water,which was increased to 15 MGD in 2000. However, the area is getting about 6 MGD of water at present.

Stating that the government should address the issue as the area has two hospitals,Major General Singh said,“The water supply,especially for drinking purposes,is grossly insufficient. The government has assured us that the issue will be sorted out. In a year’s time,there should be a positive change.”

The Army has also sought the construction of an underpass near the airport. During peak hours,the road sees heavy traffic movement as many commuters heading to the airport use it as a shortcut. Their other demands include construction of four foot-overbridges on Ring Road,Station Road and RTR Marg. L-G Tejendra Khanna,who chaired the meeting,gave his assurance that all their concerns will be addressed.