CM Rekha Gupta Assures No Slum Demolitions Without Housing, Slams Misinformation Campaign

New Delhi, June 8, 2025: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has categorically denied rumors of slum demolitions without rehabilitation and emphasized that her government will not remove any slum without first providing permanent housing to its residents. She warned that FIRs would be lodged against individuals or groups spreading falsehoods that are causing panic among urban poor communities.

The assurance came during her visits to multiple development sites, including Nehru Camp in Haiderpur, Ekta Camp in Pitampura, and JJ Clusters near U and V Blocks in Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency. She inaugurated a series of civic projects, such as road pavements, sanitation infrastructure, and promised the creation of clean and safe parks for children living in slum areas.

“In today’s Delhi, no citizen—regardless of income—will be left behind. Our commitment is to dignity, housing, and equal access to basic amenities for every resident,” Gupta declared while addressing locals.

During her inspection at JJ Cluster in Haiderpur, she inaugurated the construction of a 24-seater Jan Suvidha Kendra (public toilet complex), calling it a “major milestone” in addressing public hygiene challenges, particularly for women, elderly, and children. Gupta emphasized that the new infrastructure aligns with her government’s broader “Swacch Delhi, Swastha Delhi” vision.

She also launched CC pavement construction at AU Block, Ekta Camp, to tackle the long-standing issues of waterlogging and dusty, broken lanes. These infrastructural developments, she said, would improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Gupta then reviewed a vacant Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) land near U and V Blocks in JJ Cluster, where a 20-seater Jan Suvidha Kendra will soon be constructed. She instructed officials to expedite the process and ensure quality construction.

The Chief Minister reiterated that Delhi’s slum dwellers deserve to live with the same dignity as other citizens and that redevelopment would not come at the cost of displacement. “Redevelopment is not about bulldozing lives—it’s about lifting them. Every slum resident is entitled to clean water, proper drainage, roads, sanitation, and solid waste management,” she said.

Gupta also addressed the recent controversy over the demolition drive at Madrasi Camp. Clarifying that the operation was carried out in strict compliance with Delhi High Court directives, she noted that the area was obstructing efforts to clean the Barapullah drain, critical to flood prevention. “The slum was on the drain bank, and the court issued four orders to remove it. Residents have been allotted alternate housing and relocated safely,” she said.

Taking a strong stance against misinformation, Gupta stated that deliberate attempts to mislead slum residents are politically motivated and harmful. “Our slum policy is clear: no demolition without rehabilitation. But court orders must be followed, especially when public safety is at stake,” she added.

The Delhi government’s phased redevelopment plan includes installation of sewer lines, drainage systems, drinking water pipelines, street lighting, and maintenance of community hygiene through strategically placed public toilets and waste disposal mechanisms. Gupta reaffirmed her administration’s pledge to create a Delhi where dignity, development, and justice reach every corner—including its most underserved communities.