Is There No Demolition Threat to Slums in Delhi? CM Rekha Gupta Answers!

Synopsis
In a recent address, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reassured slum residents that their homes are safe from demolition. She criticized former governments for neglecting basic amenities and emphasized the commitment to improving the living standards of slum dwellers. With new projects underway, the focus remains on dignity and essential services for all citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Commitment to no demolitions without housing alternatives.
- Action against misinformation regarding slum demolitions.
- Focus on improving living standards for slum residents.
- Investment of Rs 700 crore in various projects.
- Creation of clean parks and public facilities for slum areas.
New Delhi, June 8 (NationPress) Addressing the misleading rumors about the potential demolition of numerous slums in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta criticized the former Aam Aadmi Party and Congress governments for exploiting the residents of these colonies as mere vote banks while neglecting their fundamental needs.
During the inauguration of a toilet block in a slum located in Haiderpur, CM Gupta assured the public that there will be no demolitions without ensuring that residents are provided with permanent housing alternatives.
She stated that criminal charges will be pursued against individuals disseminating false information regarding demolitions. CM Gupta clarified that most anti-encroachment actions are conducted in accordance with judicial directives, focusing on illegal occupations that impede traffic or disrupt public movement.
Regarding slum clearance near Jangpura, she mentioned that the action stemmed from a directive by the Delhi High Court. "Wherever there are court orders, the government or administration is bound to comply. Presently, the situation in Madrasi Colony is that it is situated on the banks of the Barapullah drain, and the Court has reiterated several times that these jhuggis (informal settlements) need to be removed to facilitate cleaning operations, as failure to do so could lead to flooding incidents in Delhi similar to those experienced in 2023..." she elaborated.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the previous administrations under Arvind Kejriwal and Sheila Dikshit failed to implement any developmental initiatives for slum residents in Delhi.
"The BJP government in Delhi is allocating Rs 700 crore for various projects," she added.
CM Gupta affirmed that every slum dweller has the right to live with dignity, insisting, "It is our duty to ensure they access the same facilities as other city residents."
The government's aim extends beyond mere redevelopment; it includes enhancing the living standards of slum inhabitants, she noted.
On that day, she also inaugurated and evaluated several development projects in Nehru Camp in Haiderpur, Ekta Camp in Pitampura, and areas surrounding the U and V Blocks of the JJ Cluster in the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency.
CM Gupta reviewed essential works, such as pipeline installation and new road construction in these neighborhoods.
Additionally, she announced the creation of clean and safe parks equipped with swings specifically for children residing in slum areas across the city.
CM Gupta reiterated her government's commitment to ensuring that every resident of Delhi's slums has access to fundamental amenities like clean water, proper roads, public toilets, and parks, ensuring that no citizen is overlooked in the development process.
During this occasion, the Chief Minister also launched the construction of a 24-seater Jan Suvidha Kendra (public convenience center) at the JJ Cluster, Outer Ring Road, No. 26, Nehru Camp in Haiderpur. She stated that this facility will alleviate the long-standing issue of toilet shortages in the area, particularly benefiting women, senior citizens, and children by providing clean and safe facilities.