[1] In 1922, a tiny Nazul Office consisting of 10 to 12 officials was set up in the Collectorate of Delhi, which was the first authority to regulate the planned development of the city.

Thus, to plan Delhi and to check its rapid and haphazard growth, the Central Government appointed a Committee under the chairmanship of Sh.

This Committee recommended a Single Planning & Controlling Authority for all the urban areas of Delhi.

The DDA master plan was formed in 1962 to ensure an organized and structured development of Delhi.

This included the identification of new land that could be developed into residential properties and be made into self-contained colonies by providing ample commercial offices and retail complexes.

The new projects undertaken instigate recognition of project sites, a public announcement about the new DDA housing schemes in various categories through newspapers and other media advertisements, formal acceptance of the applications, a transparent draw system for short-listing of the applicants and finally allotment of the property.

[8] [9] In March 2019, DDA launched a new housing scheme, for around 18,000 flats situated in Vasant Kunj and Narela, which got a lukewarm response from the general public in terms of applications received.

DDA undertakes the construction, development and maintenance of commercial properties like retail shops in local markets, shopping complexes, office complexes, makeshift industrial setups, hospitals, community halls, clubs, educational institutions, religious segregation centres etc.