Delhi Development Authority

The Delhi Development Authority, or DDA, is Delhi's statutory planning and development authority. Constituted under the Delhi Development Act, 1957, it plans, regulates and helps implement urban development according to approved plans.

Core statutory object

Under Section 6 of the Delhi Development Act, 1957, DDA must promote and secure Delhi's development according to plan. Its mandate combines spatial planning, land management and development works.

• It may acquire, hold, manage and dispose of land and other property.
• It may undertake building, engineering and other operations needed for planned development.
• It may provide services and amenities such as water supply, electricity and sewage disposal, subject to the Act.

Planning framework

DDA prepares the Master Plan for Delhi and zonal development plans. These plans require approval by the Central Government before coming into operation.

• The Master Plan sets the broad framework for land use and Delhi's development into zones.
• Zonal plans provide greater detail on land uses, roads, public utilities, open spaces, population density and building conditions.
• Planning provisions may regulate building height, character, open spaces and related development standards.

Development control and implementation

Under Sections 12 and 14, development in a declared development area requires permission, and land or buildings cannot be used contrary to an operative plan. DDA can also develop land and dispose of it subject to statutory rules under Section 21.

• Its regulatory role links land-use plans with permission for actual development.
• Urban safety is addressed through orderly land use, density, roads, open spaces and building controls rather than through a standalone policing function.
• DDA is therefore a planning and development authority, not a substitute for every municipal or infrastructure agency operating in Delhi.