The Hindu : Slum demolition begins

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Mar 18, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Slum demolition begins

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, MARCH 17. Encouraged by the peaceful relocation of slum clusters from Yamuna Pushta and the clearance received in this regard from the Election Commission of India, the Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Jagmohan, today asked the Delhi Development Authority to join hands with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi in clearing the Yamuna embankment at the earliest.

While the DDA has been entrusted with the task of removing slum clusters from Vijay Ghat to Old Yamuna Bridge, the MCD would continue with its exercise from New Sachivalaya to Vijay Ghat. The slum clusters are being removed at the direction of the Delhi High Court.

Following the direction, the DDA is understood to have requested MCD Slum and Jhuggi Jhompari Department to give alternative plots to the eligible families of the slum clusters. Officials said, the DDA would soon begin the survey of the slum clusters for relocation.

Senior MCD officials said they would soon hand over the requisite plots to DDA. As of now, the civic body had more than 9,500 plots - mostly in Holambi Kalan and Bawana -- for relocation of slum clusters. "Modalities are being worked out," he said.

Meanwhile, continuing with its relocation drive, the MCD today demolished about 1,000 dwelling units - officially 752 -- from Gautampuri-I near the New Sachivalaya. Of these 222 eligible families were allotted alternative plots at Holambi Kalan in North-West Delhi. The MCD had provided trucks for transportation of eligible families. Though today's demolition drive left hundreds of families shelterless, no major untoward incident was reported. A big contingent of police force was deployed at the demolition site throughout the day.

In another related incident, the MCD and the Archaeological Survey of India in a joint operation today removed about 50 slum clusters from Petti market near Red Fort. The exercise was going on for the past few days and today the entire area was cleared, they claimed.

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