The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is gearing up to launch the SWAGAM portal, a digital platform designed to streamline the regularisation of 1,511 unauthorised colonies across the national capital. With demo testing completed and integration with the government’s main system underway, officials say the portal will soon be opened to the public, marking a major step in addressing long-pending urban housing issues.
The initiative comes alongside significant groundwork, with over half of the drone surveys in identified colonies already completed. These surveys are crucial in mapping structures, road layouts and property boundaries, forming the backbone of the digital records that will power the regularisation process.
Simplified system aims to boost accessibility
According to The Hindustan Times, officials have emphasised that the SWAGAM portal has been redesigned with user accessibility in mind. Drawing inspiration from simple banking applications, the interface avoids technical jargon to ensure that even first-time users can navigate it with ease. Residents will be able to understand application procedures, eligibility criteria and the implications of regularisation without needing specialised assistance.
The collected survey data will be integrated into the portal, allowing applicants to submit requests for regularisation directly. This digital-first approach is expected to reduce delays, minimise paperwork and bring transparency to a process that has historically been complex and time-consuming.
Cost structure and compliance rules outlined
The civic body has clarified that there is no fixed fee for regularisation, as costs will vary depending on multiple components. These include an application fee and a scrutiny fee, the latter set at ₹10 per square metre of built-up area. For instance, a 1,000 square metre structure would attract a scrutiny fee of ₹10,000.
A key regulatory factor in the process is the floor area ratio compliance. Any construction exceeding permissible limits under Delhi’s master plan will incur penalties, with charges set at three times the standard rate for additional FAR. This provision is aimed at discouraging unauthorised expansions while bringing existing structures into the legal framework.
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Architects and ownership rights key to process
Around 700 empanelled architects will play a central role in the rollout. Once residents receive ownership rights under the PM-UDAY scheme, architects will prepare and upload building plans reflecting the actual on-ground structures. These plans, once verified, will become part of the permanent municipal record upon issuance of regularisation certificates.
Officials indicated that residents still awaiting ownership rights are likely to receive them within a month, after which applications for regularisation will be processed within a similar timeframe. In the initial phase, nearly 40,000 residents who already hold ownership rights will be able to apply immediately.
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Once the regularisation process is completed, the MCD plans to shift focus toward upgrading infrastructure and basic services in these colonies, signalling a broader push towards planned urban development and improved living conditions in previously neglected areas.
