Will Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Deliver on Promised Homes for Slum Dwellers?
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New Delhi, Dec 9 (NationPress) In a bid to rehabilitate all slum dwellers, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta conducted an inspection of flats designated for individuals from the economically weaker sections (EWS) in the Bhalaswa locality on Tuesday.
These units, constructed in 2016 yet left vacant for years, faced significant criticism from the Chief Minister, who labeled their extended neglect as a severe injustice to the underprivileged families of Delhi, according to an official statement.
Showing deep concern for the thousands of jhuggi-dwelling families still in search of permanent housing, the Chief Minister asserted that her administration is resolutely dedicated to ensuring that every qualified family receives its proper home, complete with essential amenities.
During her visit, she highlighted the necessity of evaluating the current state of the flats to hasten their finalization and distribution.
She instructed officials from relevant departments to expedite all outstanding work and guarantee that the flats are ready for allocation to jhuggi residents. Additionally, she called for the establishment of a model residential complex at the site.
Accompanying the Chief Minister were Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, MLA Deepak Chaudhary, and senior officials during the inspection.
Addressing the situation of the nearly 7,400 flats constructed in 2016, the Chief Minister criticized the previous government for not allotting even a single unit to impoverished families. Consequently, these structures remained unoccupied for nearly a decade, leading to significant deterioration.
She described this extended period of neglect as a profound betrayal to the people of Delhi. “If these flats had been allocated on time, countless families would be residing with dignity and comfort in their homes today,” she stated. The years of abandonment have resulted in structural damage and the loss of materials from within the units.
The Chief Minister elucidated that the Delhi Government has formulated a new, contemporary, and fully equipped rehabilitation model for jhuggi clusters.
This model entails extensive repairs and redevelopment of the Bhalaswa flats into a modern residential complex with all necessary services. The project will feature e-rickshaw charging stations, secure commercial zones, parking facilities, healthcare services, parks, and anganwadi centres.
“We are building a housing model that was once merely a dream for millions of underprivileged families. This dream will be realized during our government’s tenure,” she declared.
Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood remarked that he jointly inspected the flats with the Chief Minister, emphasizing that the nearly 7,400 units constructed in 2016 fell into disrepair due to the negligence and lack of intent from previous administrations. Thousands of families were deprived of their rightful homes, and in nine years, the flats have deteriorated.