No slum, jhuggi basti to be razed in city: CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday assured residents that no slum or jhuggi basti in the Capital will be demolished, asserting that her government is committed to upgrading infrastructure in informal settlements. She made the remarks during a foundation-laying event for new sewer lines in the Haiderpur area of the Shalimar Bagh constituency.

“There’s a false narrative on social media that slums are being torn down. I want to assure every resident that no jhuggi will be razed,” said Gupta.

She said the Delhi Government had allocated Rs 700 crore for development in slum areas such as better roads, drainage, toilets and parks.

“Our work won’t stop. Every home will get water, the Yamuna will be cleaned and Delhi will be pollution-free,” she said.

CM Gupta also took aim at political opponents, claiming that “some people” are uncomfortable with the pace of progress during her government’s first 100 days in office.

The Congress, however, dismissed her assurances as hollow. Delhi Congress spokesperson Naresh Kumar called the CM’s statement “laughable” and demanded accountability. “If Rs 700 crore has been sanctioned, where is the audit? Which slums are being developed and through which agencies?” he asked.

Referring to recent demolitions, Kumar said the government must first provide permanent housing solutions before any eviction. “What is the plan for those already displaced? Where’s the guarantee that such evictions won’t continue?” he questioned.

He urged the government to involve local communities in redevelopment plans and ensure transparency. “Empty promises won’t help. Unless the BJP turns words into action, these statements remain mere political gimmick,” he said, adding that the Congress would stand with the urban poor and oppose any move that threatens their rights or dignity.

Delhi