Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday inspected the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) flats in Sultanpuri to review their maintenance, current condition, and potential for resettlement.
She said the government is drafting a comprehensive plan to meet future demand for 1 million houses in the city.
According to the CM, under the initiative to resettle slum dwellers, in the first phase, the process will begin through 50,000 flats.
She said the efforts are fully aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolve of providing ‘Housing for Every Poor,’ adding that the government is committed to ensuring dignified housing and a better life for slum dwellers.
During the visit, the CM was accompanied by MP Yogendra Chandolia, Delhi Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood, and senior officials from all relevant departments.
She highlighted that these flats, originally constructed in 2016 for slum rehabilitation with government expenditure running into crores of rupees, have remained unallocated due to the apathy and lack of intent of previous administrations.
Gupta further noted that a similar situation exists with another 50,000 flats built in Delhi’s outer areas, many of which have deteriorated so severely that substantial funds will be required to make them habitable.
Treating this as a matter of the poor’s rights, the Delhi government is working with complete commitment to ensure every slum dweller has access to safe, dignified, and well-equipped housing, she said.
According to the CM, the centre has already sanctioned approximately Rs 732 crore to repair thousands of such flats.
Attacking the opposition, she said, “Parties that failed to act for years are now making noise for political gain.”
She questioned, “When they were in power, why didn’t they distribute these houses? Why were these flats allowed to turn into ruins? Were they waiting for our government to come and do the job,” Gupta said.
On this occasion, Sood stated that the DDA (DUSIB) flats in Sultanpuri had long stood as a symbol of neglect and political apathy.
He alleged that these homes never reached the intended slum-dwelling beneficiaries due to the insensitivity of previous governments.
Despite the investment of billions of rupees, 50,000 flats remained abandoned, while lakhs of people continued to live in inhumane conditions in slums, he said.
According to Sood, the government has resolved to redevelop these flats and ensure the availability of all essential facilities like water, electricity, sewerage, bathing spaces, toilets, parks, and safety.