The AAP-led Delhi government on Friday released Rs 500 crore for the development works in unauthorised colonies for the current financial year, according to a statement issued by the state government.

Following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s directions, the urban development (UD) department has released Rs 500 crore to the irrigation & flood control (I&FC) department for the purpose of carrying out basic development works in the unauthorised colonies across Delhi, the government’s statement said.

The CM directed the UD department to ensure that there is no “financial constraint” for the development of unauthorised colonies. According to the government’s statement, the works of providing basic developmental facilities ~ sewers, drains, roads and lanes ~ have been continuing on “war footing” and that water distribution lines are being laid by the Delhi Jal Board.

The AAP government alleged that the BJP-ruled Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCDs) have not allowed their councillors to spend funds in unauthorised colonies in the national capital.

Kejriwal announced yesterday that the residents of the unauthorised colonies will get the ownership rights of their properties soon. The CM said the Delhi government has got “a very positive response” from the Centre on 17 July over its proposal sent in November 2015 for the regularisation of 1797 unauthorised colonies in Delhi.

Kejriwal told a news conference that the Centre has now sent a communication to the Delhi government stating its in-principle approval for the regularisation of the unauthorised colonies in the national capital.

The move will benefit lakhs of people living in unauthorised colonies across Delhi. The residents of these colonies might play a key role in deciding the outcome of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

Announcing his government’s plan to ensure smooth registration of properties of the residents in these unauthorised colonies, Kejriwal said, “l have directed the revenue department to begin the preparations for the facilitation of large-scale registries for all the houses in the unauthorised colonies across the city. We will set up camps, if needed, to ensure smooth processing of all registries and whatever else that may be required to be done.”