The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has cleared its much-awaited "Land Pooling Policy" which would give the capital 17 lakh houses, out of which over five lakh houses will be provided to the economically weaker sections, an official statement said on Friday. "The policy, which is yet to be approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, covers areas of urban extensions in 95 villages and is expected to benefit lakhs of farmers while generating immense investment opportunities," the statement from Lt. Governor Anil Baijal's office said.

With the core of the policy being public participation, the DDA will act as a facilitator and planner, and the process of pooling and development will be taken up by Developer Entities (DE), it said. "Land-owners having land of any size can participate under the policy, however, the minimum area to be taken up for development would be two hectares. A DE or individual can participate in the scheme by pooling land parcels covered under a sector as per the Zonal Development Plan," it added.