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This dissertation examines the role and effectiveness of zoning regulations in shaping urban development within the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Zoning laws are essential tools used to plan and manage land use, but in Delhi, their implementation has led to various challenges. These include overlapping jurisdictions, rigid classifications, limited public participation and the exclusion of informal settlements from formal planning processes.
Using a doctrinal research methodology, this study reviews the legal and policy frameworks that govern zoning, including the Delhi Development Act, 1957 and the city’s Master Plans from 1962 to the draft version of 2041. The research also explores significant case laws and government reports to assess the legal validity, administrative structure and socio-economic outcomes of zoning laws in practice.
The findings suggest that while zoning regulations are legally established, they have not adapted to the city’s evolving needs, particularly in areas of housing, mixed land use and integration of the informal sector. Based on comparisons with other Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, the study recommends legal reforms such as a codified zoning statute, the establishment of a zoning tribunal, and greater transparency in land use decisions.
The dissertation concludes that for zoning to become a more inclusive and effective planning tool, it must be grounded in constitutional values like equality, justice and participation. These changes are essential for ensuring that urban planning in Delhi supports both structured growth and equitable access to the city’s resources.
