Will Delhi CM Halt Slum Demolitions and Provide Housing?
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Synopsis
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has taken a bold step by halting slum demolitions while planning to allocate 50,000 renovated flats to slum dwellers. This initiative aims to ensure no one is left homeless and to restore dignity to those in need.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi CM has halted demolitions of slums without rehabilitation.
- Plans to renovate 50,000 vacant flats for slum dwellers.
- Emphasis on restoring dignity to the lives of the underprivileged.
- Collaboration with various departments to provide permanent settlements.
- 675 slum clusters identified across Delhi.
New Delhi, Aug 1 (NationPress) In a significant move, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered an immediate halt to slum demolitions without prior rehabilitation, asserting that no individual living in poverty will face homelessness. The government is set to refurbish 50,000 vacant flats and distribute them among eligible slum residents.
"Our government's foremost goal is to guarantee that every qualifying family secures a stable roof and the chance to be settled within their neighborhood. This initiative transcends mere housing provision; it is a mission to reinstate dignity to their lives," she remarked.
The Chief Minister mandated the Railways, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and all relevant government bodies to ensure that no slum areas in Delhi face demolition.
In instances where removal is unavoidable due to development or other factors, alternative housing must be secured beforehand, she added.
Moreover, CM Gupta announced plans to renovate approximately 50,000 houses that were constructed years prior in the city’s outskirts and allocate them to slum dwellers.
If necessary, the government will consider amending existing policies regarding slum clusters and may seek judicial recourse to safeguard the rights of slum residents.
CM Gupta emphasized that the struggles faced by slum dwellers will not be overlooked.
She criticized the opposition for exploiting slum dwellers as a political voting bloc, asserting that her administration is genuinely striving to ensure their acknowledgment as rightful residents of Delhi.
Highlighting the 50,000 dilapidated and unoccupied flats developed years ago under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), she pointed out that previous administrations failed to allocate these units to slum residents, leaving them uninhabitable over time.
Continuous discussions are being held with various departments to make decisive moves aimed at providing permanent settlements for slum dwellers.
Currently, Delhi is home to 675 slum clusters, comprising around 3.06 lakh (306,000) slum units.
These settlements span a total area of 804.5 hectares, with nearly 50 percent situated on DDA land.
Approximately 23 percent occupy government/public sector or private land, while 22 percent are on property owned by agencies such as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and DUSIB.
In total, there are 675 slum clusters across Delhi's districts. South-East Delhi possesses the highest concentration with 144 clusters, followed by North Delhi with 109, Central Delhi with 92, and West Delhi with 68. Other areas like Shahdara, New Delhi, South-West Delhi, and East Delhi also have significant clusters.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the importance of social responsibility in governance. CM Rekha Gupta's approach to halting slum demolitions and providing housing reflects a compassionate understanding of urban issues. It is essential for the administration to balance development with humanitarian needs, ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the government's plan for slum dwellers in Delhi?
The government plans to renovate 50,000 unoccupied flats and allocate them to eligible slum dwellers, ensuring that no one is rendered homeless.
Why has CM Rekha Gupta halted slum demolitions?
CM Gupta has ordered an immediate stop to slum demolitions without prior rehabilitation to protect the rights and dignity of slum residents.
How many slum clusters are there in Delhi?
Delhi has a total of 675 slum clusters, comprising around 3.06 lakh (306,000) slum dwellings.
What will happen to the 50,000 vacant flats?
These flats will be renovated and allocated to eligible slum dwellers to provide them with secure housing.
How is the government ensuring the rights of slum dwellers?
The government is considering amending existing policies and may approach the court to protect the housing rights of slum dwellers.
