The Government of Delhi has announced a historic shift in Delhi’s urban policy by deciding to regularise 1,511 unauthorised colonies on an "as-is where-is" basis.
While the PM-UDAY scheme (2019) granted ownership rights, residents continued to face constraints due to the absence of approved layout plans, which prevented building approvals and redevelopment. The new decision removes this requirement, enabling nearly 45 lakh residents to regularise existing structures and undertake formal construction or upgrades.
From April 24, 2026, residents can apply via the SWAGAM portal for a streamlined 45-day process to secure their legal rights and start planned redevelopment.
Key Decisions and Implementation Framework
Removal of Layout Plan Requirement: Eligible colonies will no longer need RWA-prepared layout plans, and land use will be treated as residential for regularisation purposes.
SWAGAM Portal Integration: A new integrated portal (MCD SWAGAM) will handle applications. The timeline is strictly defined: 7 days for GIS survey, 15 days for fixing deficiencies, and 45 days for the final deed.
Commercial Regularisation: Small convenience shops (up to 20 sq. m) will also be regularised, provided they meet basic access requirements (6-metre right of way).
Development Norms: For those looking to rebuild, residents must surrender 50% of any land deficiency to help widen narrow roads. However, they can use their original plot size to calculate their Floor Area Ratio (FAR).
Excluded Areas: Security and environmental safeguards remain; colonies on Yamuna floodplains (Zone-O), ridge areas, forest land, or protected monument sites remain excluded from this regularisation.
What is "As-is Where-is" Regularisation?
"As-is Where-is" regularisation means the government accepts the existing physical state of a colony, including its current buildings and road widths, as the baseline for legal status.
It acts as a catalyst for Urban Dignity because it stops the cycle of treating existing homes as "illegal" simply because they don't match a pre-planned map. This mechanism manifests as a transition from "punitive enforcement" to "planned inclusion," allowing the Municipal Corporation to finally provide formal civic infrastructure like sewage and paved roads.
For MoHUA, this is a primary lever to benchmark a trajectory where Delhi becomes a future-ready city by addressing decades of legacy housing issues.
Policy Relevance
Legal Standing for Millions: By granting ownership and legal status at once, the policy turns vulnerable residents into Recognised Homeowners, shielding them from eviction and allowing them to take out bank loans.
Safer Neighborhood Upgrades: Allowing families to rebuild their homes under official safety rules ensures that narrow lanes can eventually be widened, making it easier for Fire Trucks and Ambulances to enter these areas.
Modernising Land Records through Digital Tools: Shifting the process to the SWAGAM portal and using satellite maps removes the need for Middlemen and Paperwork, making the entire system more transparent for the common man.
Connecting Informal Areas to the Main Economy: Regularising small local shops alongside homes brings "hidden" businesses into the Formal Sector, giving 45 lakh citizens a fair chance to grow their wealth and contribute to the city.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: With 1,511 colonies now entering the formal fold, what specific budgetary allocations will be made to upgrade the aging sewage and water infrastructure in these newly regularised areas?
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