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The Urban Development (UD) Department has requested that the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) provide details on 82 newly identified slum clusters intended for rehabilitation. However, UD officials report that the shelter board has yet to locate the file related to the matter, raising concerns over transparency and accountability.
Last month, DUSIB informed the Delhi High Court that the slum clusters list was briefly published on its website before being removed. The UD department, DUSIB's administrative wing, has requested the entire file related to the identification of these additional slum clusters and the surveys conducted to determine when people began inhabiting the area.
Government records currently recognize 675 slum clusters in Delhi, with 376 located on land parcels belonging to various central government agencies, such as the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and railways. The remaining clusters are situated on land under the jurisdiction of different Delhi government departments. According to the government's rehabilitation policy, any identified slum cluster established before January 1, 2006, cannot be demolished without an in-situ redevelopment plan.
The list of 82 slums came to the government's attention when Gosiya Colony residents filed a plea in the High Court fearing removal by the DDA. The petitioners presented a list of 82 slums, including Gosiya Colony, that had been temporarily posted on DUSIB's website.
An official from the UD department expressed concern over the lack of knowledge and documentation surrounding these slums, stating, "Nobody in the government is aware of how and when these slums were identified and surveyed. There is no record to show if this list of 82 slums was ever presented in the board meeting and its approval was taken by DUSIB to put up the list on the website."
The situation highlights the need for improved communication and coordination between government agencies and organizations responsible for managing slum clusters. It also underscores the importance of maintaining accurate and up-to-date records to ensure the proper allocation of resources for rehabilitation and redevelopment projects.
The uncertainty surrounding the identification of the 82 slum clusters has raised questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the rehabilitation process. Proper documentation is essential to ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support and resources they need to improve their living conditions.
According to another official, DUSIB inquired with its engineering wing about the list and was informed that it was based on ground reports and feedback from concerned area MLAs. However, the list was reportedly not verified and approved by top officials and the board, leading to its removal from the website.
In conclusion, the Urban Development Department's inquiry into the missing information on 82 slum clusters highlights the need for increased transparency, accountability, and communication in addressing housing issues. Ensuring proper record-keeping and efficient coordination between government agencies is essential for the effective rehabilitation and support of vulnerable communities living in slum clusters.
The original story was first published in ET Realty on 4th April 2023.
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