Govt.s goal is not removal of jhuggis, but giving dignified life to residents, says Gupta

Promising a development model centred on dignity rather than displacement, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday reaffirmed her government’s commitment to improving the living conditions in jhuggis (slum clusters) across the city.

Speaking at an event in the R.K. Puram Assembly constituency, where she inaugurated development works worth approximately ₹100 crore, Ms. Gupta said the government’s goal is not to remove slums but to ensure that their residents lead a dignified life.

The Chief Minister said this would be achieved through the creation of permanent housing, toilets, bathing facilities, roads, drains, parks, and play areas for children.

“Areas like R.K. Puram have a large number of jhuggis, where previous governments failed to pay adequate attention to basic amenities and stalled development for years. Our objective is to provide modern facilities equally to the poor, the middle class, and the affluent,” she said.

Extensive renovation

Under the new development works, roads will be constructed and repaired, community platforms renovated, community centres upgraded, and parks beautified, she said. “These initiatives will provide residents with better connectivity, safer public spaces, modern community facilities, and a cleaner environment,” she said. 

The CM also announced that the government has released funds for the remaining three corridors of Phase IV of the Delhi Metro. “The project will ensure time-efficient travel for commuters, reduce dependence on private vehicles, and contribute to pollution control,” she added.