No slums will be razed without providing housing: CM Gupta
At the 17th edition of the National Convention organised by the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO), Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reaffirmed her government’s commitment to uplifting slum dwellers, modernising the capital and ensuring inclusive development.
Speaking at the event, CM Gupta said, “Not even a single slum in Delhi will be removed without providing proper houses to its residents.” She added that her administration is determined to provide slum dwellers not just housing, but also skill development and employment opportunities. “If there is a need to change the policy, we will change it. Delhi has to be changed and we have to work together,” she stated.
Criticising opposition parties for their approach to urban development, Gupta accused the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of politicising the issue of slums without addressing it meaningfully.
“Those who want to do politics over Delhi’s slums have never had anything to do with them. Rahul Gandhi is coming to the slums now. AAP completed its tenure but never even laid pipelines in these areas,” she said.
Gupta also highlighted her government’s proactive approach to urban challenges, citing improved flood preparedness through the removal of 25,000 metric tonnes of silt and intensified sanitation and drainage work. “This is not a coincidence. We are working 16 to 18 hours a day to fix the backlog of the last ten years. Give us just two years and we will revamp Delhi,” she asserted.
Calling on the real estate and infrastructure sectors to support the capital’s transformation, the CM proposed enhanced Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for the development of hospitals, schools, housing and commercial infrastructure.
“We are committed to providing full policy and funding support for PPP initiatives. We are also in the process of simplifying the licensing system so that, with strong coordination between the state and industry, we can make Delhi a high-tech capital city,” she said.
Gupta also urged the industry to help develop stubble (parali) processing units to combat pollution and improve Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI). “Our vision is to convert all slums into permanent homes and make Delhi a high-tech capital city,” she added.
Echoing her views, NAREDCO Chairman Niranjan Hiranandani stressed the need for green, sustainable urban planning. “Construction contributes heavily to carbon emissions. We must shift to smart infrastructure and energy-efficient planning. Delhi must lead by example,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration between government and industry.
Delhi