For the first time, a special task force (STF) will look into traffic congestion, encroachment of Government land and illegal construction in the national Capital. The task force will identify encroachments in different localities, oversee its reclamation and compliance of fire safety measures and disaster management needs, particularly in schools, colleges and hospitals.

The Supreme Court had earlier observed that over 2,200 km of streets were encroached upon in Delhi and the length of road was “almost like travelling from the national Capital to Kanyakumari.”

The Government land is defined as all the land in which the awards have been given and the land owner have received the compensation irrespective of current possession. Besides, the gram sabha land also comes under the Government land.

As per order, the STF will suggest course of action pertaining to unauthorised colonies. The task force will also identify the areas of congestions of traffic in different parts of the city and to suggest remedial measures to concerned other agencies.

The order says STF will see that the traffic management strategies are devised and implemented with or without consultation with traffic experts, planners and the Unified Traffic & Transportation Infrastructure Centre (UTTIPEC).

The STF will direct the local bodies to ensure that all the layout plans and local area plans are being taken up by the concerned local bodies with respect to infrastructure provisions, parking, traffic management and all the statutory approvals are obtained in a time bound manner.

It will also direct the local bodies and the traffic police to remove the roadblocks, to clear encroachments on footpaths, pavements, underpasses and other public areas, to remove encroachment from green areas of Delhi and other public places and propose action against the erring officials in case any local body fails to adhere/act on their responsibilities.

The STF comprises Secretary to Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Commissioners of the three corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council chairperson and Delhi Jal Board Chief Executive Officer, Secretary Transport, Secretary Urban Development, Secretary Revenue, Special Commissioner Police (Law & Order), Special Commissioner Police,(Traffic), Chief Fire Officer,. Representative of Central Ground Water Board, Chief General Manager (Tech.), NHAI, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Superintending Archaeologist,. Superintending Engineer, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board Commissioner (Planning), DDA.

It has been noticed that there are some violations of building bylaws and provisions of Master Plan for Delhi-2021 relating to, inter alia, construction activities and land use in Delhi.