Why Won't Slum Demolitions Happen? Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Explains

New Delhi, May 31 (NationPress) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has characterized slum residents as essential service providers and the backbone of Delhi. On Saturday, she pledged that no slum areas in the city would face demolition without adequate rehabilitation measures in place.

Furthermore, she revealed an allocation of Rs 700 crore aimed at enhancing development initiatives, including the construction of toilets and washrooms for women residing in slums.

During a special dialogue hosted by actor Anupam Kher at the ‘100 Din Sewa Ke’ event held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to commemorate the first 100 days of the BJP government, CM Gupta expressed her empathy for the urban poor, stating, “Previous administrations have overlooked their needs. They have endured life in slums for many years.”

Addressing false claims from the opposition about impending slum demolitions, she emphasized, “No slum dweller will be uprooted until they secure a permanent home. They will remain in their current accommodations, but with enhanced facilities and dignity.”

CM Gupta criticized the former AAP government for failing to fulfill its promises, stating, “While they resided in luxury, we have diligently worked to rebuild Delhi.”

She also pointed out the approval of the PM-JAY health insurance scheme in the inaugural Cabinet meeting.

On healthcare advancements, she mentioned that the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has been rolled out across hospitals, with Jan Aushadhi Kendras being established. Additionally, cutting-edge healthcare units such as LMU, NAT testing, and a medical genetics ward have been launched at Lok Nayak Hospital, ensuring top-notch treatment.

Regarding achievements in education, she remarked, “While past governments focused on self-promotion, we passed the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation & Regulation of Fees) Bill 2025 to eliminate arbitrary practices by private schools.”

She also criticized the former AAP administration for leaving behind considerable waste, turning Delhi into a garbage dump.

CM Gupta asserted that her government has initiated significant measures to eradicate these legacy waste sites, with round-the-clock waste processing currently operational, processing approximately 30,000 metric tonnes of garbage daily.

“The establishment of waste-to-energy facilities is advancing rapidly, with plans to completely remove the Bhalaswa and Okhla landfill sites within the next two years,” she stated.

Delhi currently operates four waste-to-energy plants, with two additional facilities in Narela and Ghazipur under swift construction. Plans for expanding the Okhla and Tehkhand plants are also in progress. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art e-waste park is being constructed in Holambi Kalan.

On the subject of environmental conservation, CM Gupta condemned the actions of the previous government for transforming Delhi into a gas chamber.

In contrast, she noted that her administration has prioritized pollution control by deploying 1,000 sprinklers year-round and approving 70 advanced mechanical road sweeping machines.

“The installation of smog guns in all high-rise buildings is now mandatory. Additionally, under the DEVi (Delhi Electric Vehicle Interconnector) initiative, 460 electric buses have been introduced for last-mile connectivity, with an additional 2,000 electric buses expected by the year's end,” she added.

Regarding the Yamuna River, the CM criticized the previous administration for merely staging cleaning efforts while untreated sewage continued to flow into the river. In contrast, her government has prioritized the rejuvenation of the Yamuna right from the outset.