3 weeks ago
CAG flags Delhi industrial land unused for 17 years
This story is about a big piece of empty land in Delhi, India.
A company called DSIIDC got the land in 2006 to build places where people could make jewellery and design clothes.
But not enough companies wanted to come, so those plans were cancelled.
The people in charge then planned to build a technology park instead.
That plan took a very long time and was also cancelled.
Later plans to build offices, factories, and an Electronics City also did not happen.
Because the plans kept changing, a big part of the land — 81 acres — stayed empty for more than 17 years.
The government spent about 29 crore rupees on the land even though it was not being used.
An auditor called the CAG checked the records and told everyone about the problem.
The auditor also found that rent for the land, about 15.79 crore rupees, was never paid.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) flagged 81.42 acres of industrial land at Baprola in southwest Delhi as unused for over 17 years, despite Rs 29.45 crore in expenditure.
DSIIDC acquired the 137.63-acre parcel on a 99-year lease from the Rural Development Department in December 2006 for a Gems and Jewellery Park and Fashion Design Hub.
The planned uses were repeatedly changed: the original parks were dropped in 2010, a Knowledge Based Industrial Park was abandoned in 2019, and a shop-cum-office/factory plan was never implemented.
The 2022-23 Delhi Budget proposed an Electronics City at the site, but no progress occurred till November 2024 as the Delhi Electronic System Design, Manufacturing and Refurbishment Policy 2024-29 awaited approval.
DSIIDC also owes Rs 15.79 crore in unpaid annual ground rent for the period from December 2007 to December 2024, with liability likely to rise on account of interest and penalties.
- Who
- The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audited the land, and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta tabled the report in the Delhi Assembly.
- What
- A CAG audit found that 81.42 acres of industrial land at Baprola remained unused for over 17 years despite Rs 29.45 crore spent and Rs 15.79 crore in unpaid ground rent.
- Where
- Baprola, southwest Delhi, India.
- When
- The audit covered records from April 2019 to March 2023; the land lease was acquired in December 2006, and the report was tabled on Friday.
- Why
- Repeated changes in the proposed use of the land and delays in finalising a viable project left the land unutilised.
Key facts
- Location
- Baprola, southwest Delhi
- Total land parcel
- 137.63 acres on a 99-year lease from December 2006
- Unutilised land
- 81.42 acres (around 59%)
- Land cost paid
- Rs 38.09 crore paid by DSIIDC in January 2007
- Expenditure flagged
- Rs 29.45 crore
- Ground rent dues
- Rs 15.79 crore (December 2007 to December 2024)
- Original plan
- Gems and Jewellery Park and Fashion Design Hub
- Latest proposal
- Electronics City, pending approval of Delhi policy 2024-29
Sources
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