The Indian Express             18.09.2013

Amid drumbeats, DDA to launch slum resettlement plan in Kalkaji today

Salman, a resident of Navjeevan Camp, holds a pamphlet announcing a scheme, whereby 8,000 slums located in Navjeevan Vihar, Jawahar Camp and Bhoomiheen Camp in Kalkaji Extension are expected to give way to multi-storeyed flats for residents in these areas.

Chief minister Sheila Dikshit will be inaugurating this project, on Wednesday in which Salman along with a few others have been roped in "to play the dhol to attract the crowds''.

Salman, said the brochures for this project had been distributed days in advance. The residents of the area, however, are sceptical about the project.

Sheila Dikshit is expected to lay the foundation stone for this in situ redevelopment plan for A-14 Kalkaji Extension in which three slums will be developed into multi-storeyed flats by Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

"DDA is going to take up this project on its own. The work will be taken up in three phases. There is an empty plot near the slum cluster which has been earmarked for a community centre. Work will begin there in Phase-I and residents of 3,000 slums will be shifted there. Once people shift into these flats, new flats will be constructed in the vacated area. The cost of the project will be borne by DDA,'' an official said.

This project is expected to comprise of 15-16 storeyed buildings and will cost Rs 235 crore. According to the brochures, work on the project is expected to begin on October 25.

Recently, under political pressure, DDA had also announced rehabilitation of slum dwellers in Vikaspuri in newly constructed flats in Dwarka.