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17 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Social IssuesPolity & GovernanceNEWS

Delhi Government to Redevelop Slum Clusters for Improved Living Conditions

Delhi government plans to redevelop slum clusters, improving living conditions for residents.

The Delhi government is planning to redevelop slum clusters in the city soon. According to the minister, the redevelopment project aims to improve the living conditions of slum dwellers by providing better housing and infrastructure. The project is expected to benefit a significant number of people living in these clusters. Further details about the project's timeline and specific locations are awaited.

Key Facts

1.

The Delhi government is planning to redevelop slum clusters.

2.

The project aims to improve living conditions for slum dwellers.

3.

Better housing and infrastructure will be provided.

4.

The project is expected to benefit a significant number of people.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - Urban poverty and slum redevelopment

2.

GS Paper I: Urbanization - Problems and remedies

3.

Constitutional provisions related to right to life and dignity

In Simple Words

The Delhi government wants to fix up the slums in the city. They plan to build better homes and provide basic facilities like water and sanitation. This will help people living in these areas to have a more decent life.

India Angle

In India, many people in cities live in slums with poor conditions. This project aims to give them better housing, which can improve their health and opportunities. It's about making city life better for everyone, not just some.

For Instance

Think of it like your apartment building getting renovated. The government is trying to do the same for entire slum areas, upgrading homes and adding essential services.

If you know someone living in a slum, this could mean a better life for them. It's about ensuring everyone has a safe and healthy place to live.

Better homes, better lives: Delhi's slum redevelopment aims to uplift its most vulnerable residents.

Visual Insights

Slum Clusters in Delhi

Map showing the location of slum clusters in Delhi that are targeted for redevelopment.

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📍Delhi
More Information

Background

Slum redevelopment in India is closely linked to the Right to Adequate Housing, which, although not explicitly mentioned as a fundamental right, has been interpreted by the Supreme Court as intrinsic to the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), launched in 2005, was a significant step towards addressing urban poverty and improving the living conditions of slum dwellers through integrated development projects. Prior to large-scale government initiatives, slum redevelopment was often driven by private developers, leading to concerns about displacement and inadequate compensation for residents. The lack of a comprehensive legal framework and enforcement mechanisms often resulted in projects that prioritized profit over the well-being of slum dwellers. The current Delhi government's initiative aims to address these historical shortcomings by providing better housing and infrastructure, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable approach to urban development. Several policies and guidelines have been framed at the national level to guide slum redevelopment projects, including the National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy. These policies emphasize the importance of in-situ redevelopment, where slum dwellers are rehoused in the same location, minimizing disruption to their lives and livelihoods. The success of the Delhi government's project will depend on its adherence to these principles and its ability to effectively engage with the affected communities.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on using technology and innovative financing models for slum redevelopment projects. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing for all by 2022, with a focus on slum redevelopment through public-private partnerships and beneficiary-led construction. However, the deadline has been extended, and challenges remain in achieving the goal of 'Housing for All'.

Several states have also implemented their own slum redevelopment programs, often incorporating elements of land pooling and transferable development rights (TDR) to incentivize private sector participation. The success of these programs varies widely, depending on factors such as land ownership, community engagement, and regulatory frameworks. The Delhi government's current initiative is expected to draw lessons from these past experiences and adopt best practices to ensure effective implementation.

Looking ahead, there is a growing recognition of the need for a more holistic approach to slum redevelopment that goes beyond just providing housing. This includes addressing issues such as access to basic services, employment opportunities, and social inclusion. The Delhi government's project, with its focus on improved living conditions and infrastructure, represents a step in this direction, but its long-term impact will depend on its ability to address these broader socio-economic challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Delhi government's slum redevelopment plan that are important for UPSC Prelims?

The Delhi government is planning to redevelop slum clusters to improve the living conditions of residents. The project aims to provide better housing and infrastructure to a significant number of people living in these areas.

2. What is the constitutional basis for slum redevelopment programs in India?

The Right to Adequate Housing is considered an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court. While not explicitly stated as a fundamental right, the Right to Adequate Housing forms the constitutional basis for slum redevelopment programs.

3. What is slum redevelopment and why is it important for urban development in India?

Slum redevelopment involves rebuilding or upgrading existing slum areas to provide better housing, infrastructure, and living conditions for residents. It is important for urban development as it addresses urban poverty, promotes sustainable urban growth, and ensures the right to adequate housing for all citizens.

4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Delhi government's slum redevelopment project?

Potential benefits include improved living conditions, better access to basic services, and enhanced economic opportunities for slum dwellers. Drawbacks may include displacement of residents, disruption of social networks, and potential challenges in project implementation and financing.

5. Why is the Delhi government's plan to redevelop slum clusters in the news recently?

The Delhi government's plan is in the news because of the announcement of a new redevelopment project aimed at improving the living conditions of slum dwellers by providing better housing and infrastructure. Further details regarding the project's timeline and specific locations are awaited.

6. What are some government initiatives related to slum redevelopment and affordable housing in India?

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U), launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing for all by focusing on slum redevelopment through public-private partnerships and beneficiary-led construction. The Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was also a significant step towards addressing urban poverty and slum redevelopment.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Right to Adequate Housing in India: 1. The Right to Adequate Housing is explicitly mentioned as a Fundamental Right in the Constitution of India. 2. The Supreme Court has interpreted the Right to Adequate Housing as an intrinsic aspect of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution. 3. The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy emphasizes in-situ slum redevelopment to minimize disruption to the lives of slum dwellers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Right to Adequate Housing is NOT explicitly mentioned as a Fundamental Right in the Constitution of India. However, the Supreme Court has interpreted it as part of Article 21. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Supreme Court has indeed interpreted the Right to Adequate Housing as an intrinsic aspect of the Right to Life under Article 21. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The National Urban Housing and Habitat Policy does emphasize in-situ slum redevelopment to minimize disruption.

2. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at improving the living conditions of slum dwellers in India? 1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) 2. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) (PMAY-U) 3. Swachh Bharat Mission Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

JNNURM, launched in 2005, aimed to address urban poverty and improve the living conditions of slum dwellers. PMAY-U, launched in 2015, aims to provide affordable housing for all, with a focus on slum redevelopment. Swachh Bharat Mission primarily focuses on sanitation and cleanliness, not directly on slum redevelopment, although it can indirectly improve living conditions.

3. In the context of slum redevelopment in India, what does 'in-situ redevelopment' generally refer to?

  • A.Relocating slum dwellers to a different part of the city
  • B.Providing temporary housing to slum dwellers during the redevelopment process
  • C.Rehabbing slum dwellers in the same location where they currently reside
  • D.Demolishing slums and constructing commercial buildings in their place
Show Answer

Answer: C

In-situ redevelopment refers to rehousing slum dwellers in the same location where they currently reside. This approach aims to minimize disruption to their lives and livelihoods by avoiding displacement.

Source Articles

Delhi slum clusters to be redeveloped soon: Union Minister | Delhi News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·17 Feb 2026

‘Jahan jhuggi, wahan makan’: 3 more Delhi slum clusters to be redeveloped | Delhi News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·17 Feb 2026

Ten years, just two projects: Where does Delhi’s slum rehabilitation policy stand? | Delhi News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·17 Feb 2026

DDA engages EY to assess 10 slum rehab projects in Delhi | Delhi News - The Indian Express

The Indian Express·17 Feb 2026

Why Delhi’s PPP model for slum rehabilitation has not attracted developers | Explained News - The Indian Express

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