In a bid to address the living conditions of slum dwellers, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has announced the development of three jhuggi clusters situated in the eastern part of the city. This initiative falls under the 'Jahan Jhuggi Wahin Makan' project, aimed at in-situ slum rehabilitation, according to an official statement released from Raj Niwas on Friday.
The identified clusters—Kalandar Colony, Deepak Colony, and Dilshad Vihar Colony—currently accommodate nearly 4,000 households in substandard living conditions.
This development marks the first in-situ rehabilitation endeavor in the trans-Yamuna Area of Delhi, encompassing the eastern and northeastern regions. It stands as the fourth such project in the national capital, following initiatives in Kalkaji Extension, Jailorwala Bagh, and Kathputli Colony.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has emphasized the swift execution of the project, instructing authorities to minimize delays, as stated in the official release.
The decision to undertake this project was made during a meeting chaired by the Lieutenant Governor, in the presence of key officials from the Delhi Development Authority on Friday.
The impetus for this initiative followed a visit by Saxena to Kalandar Colony in Shahdara, northeast/east Delhi, prompted by the appeals of local slum residents on March 5. Witnessing dire living conditions, with an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 inhabitants enduring unhygienic surroundings devoid of basic amenities, prompted swift action from the authorities.
The in-situ rehabilitation project will span Dilshad Garden and encompass Kalandar Colony, Deepak Colony, and Dilshad Vihar Colony. The development will cover approximately seven hectares, featuring multi-storeyed buildings equipped with modern amenities, catering to the residents who have endured substandard living conditions thus far.
Directives from the Lieutenant Governor have urged the DDA to furnish a detailed project report, including financial aspects, promptly, to expedite the process. Additionally, officials have been tasked with ensuring a time-bound execution of the project to prevent delays, which have plagued similar initiatives in the past.
In response, the Delhi government has expressed concerns regarding the demolition of numerous clusters under the tenure of Lieutenant Governor Saxena. Allegations have been made regarding the displacement of over 300,000 residents in the past 1.5 years, leading to a surge in homelessness within the capital. The government has criticized the timing of the rehabilitation project, attributing it to electoral pressures in the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections.
Despite the rehabilitation efforts, grievances persist among the displaced populace, signaling the ongoing discord between local governance and central directives.
For further updates on this developmental endeavor, stay tuned to local news sources.
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