NEW DELHI: Authorities are relocating slum dwellers from near the Prime Minister’s residence to Savda Ghera, situated 45 km away, despite the existence of over 24,000 homes meant for rehabilitation lying vacant nearby. On Monday, the Delhi High Court demanded explanations from both the Central and state governments regarding the condition of these 24,284 units, many of which are in disrepair and unoccupied.
“Shouldn’t we examine the necessity of relocating elderly residents 45 km away when accommodations are available in close proximity? This arbitrariness must be scrutinized… Who is accountable for these unoccupied houses? Both governments have invested nearly Rs 2,000 crore in this project, yet these facilities are inaccessible to the slum dwellers,” remarked Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, while addressing appeals concerning the eviction of over 700 families from three slum clusters near the PM’s residence.
During the proceedings, the slum dwellers’ attorney highlighted that the Delhi government had previously stated that out of more than 50,000 planned for eligible residents displaced from government land, over 24,000 houses were constructed. The High Court then questioned the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) regarding its silence on these properties, requesting a comprehensive report detailing their condition, location, and occupancy.
“If this isn’t a waste of public resources, then what is? We will assign responsibility. These homes could have easily accommodated thousands of these petitioners. You claim they are uninhabitable—then why were they built?” the court expressed frustration toward DUSIB when it was indicated that many flats are located in low-lying areas and were created under a different scheme.
“The petitioners’ rights are protected under Article 21, which holds significant importance,” the court reminded counsel for the Centre and DUSIB, who attributed the issue to the prior government’s failure in ensuring occupancy of the flats. The government representatives also argued that these petitioners do not have claim over flats meant for other affected residents.
The High Court had previously ordered that no demolitions can occur for those residents of the Race Course slum clusters who have yet to accept alternative housing and move to Savda Ghera.
It is currently considering an appeal from residents of Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp, and Masjid Camp against an order that had declined to intervene in their eviction from the area. The Centre has requested their removal on the grounds that the slum clusters are located in a protected zone, adjacent to an air force station, emphasizing that the removal of unauthorized structures is necessary for enhanced defense infrastructure and other significant public safety needs.
It was noted that in-situ rehabilitation is not an option due to the lack of alternative accommodation nearby, thus leading to the decision to relocate 717 residents from the three slums to Savda Ghera.
