Slum Redevelopment in Delhi 2025

Slum Redevelopment in Delhi means improving the living conditions of people living in slums. Many slums in Delhi are unsafe and overcrowded. The government is trying to provide better housing to these families, either by rebuilding their homes on the same land (in-situ redevelopment) or by moving them to new flats.

How Many Slums Are There in Delhi?

• Delhi has 675 slums (also called JJ clusters).

• Around 30 to 50 lakh people live in these slums.

• 376 slums are on central government land (managed by DDA).

• 299 slums are on Delhi government land (managed by DUSIB).

Delhi Slum Policy 2015: Key Points

• Focus on in-situ redevelopment (within 5 km of the current home).

• The slum must have existed before 2006.

• Residents must show proof of living there before 2015.

• There must be at least 50 households in the slum.

Current Situation of Slum Redevelopment in Delhi

• Only two projects (Kalkaji and Swabhiman Apartments) are complete.

• Around 3,300 flats have been given to slum dwellers.

• Over 52,000 flats are under construction in outer Delhi, but many are unoccupied.

• Reason: far locations, poor quality, and lack of facilities.

What Is the PPP Housing Model?

• PPP stands for Public-Private Partnership.

• The government gives slum land to private developers.

• Developers build homes for slum dwellers and use the rest of the land for commercial projects.

• Goal: Make use of high-value land in Central Delhi redevelopment.

Example: The Kathputli Colony redevelopment is one such project, but it is still not complete after 10 years.

Why Developers Are Not Interested

• Low profit compared to Gurgaon or Noida.

• High costs and legal problems.

• Resistance from slum dwellers to move.

• Long delays before earning from commercial parts.

Government Reforms to Help Developers

• FAR (Floor Area Ratio) increased from 400 to 500.

• Unused FAR can be used for commercial buildings.

• Rehab land share reduced from 60% to 40%.

• Developers can combine plots within 5 km.

National Context: PMAY-U and Delhi

• PMAY-U (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban) is a national housing scheme.

• One part, In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation (ISSR), has failed in many cities.

• Less than 2% of ISSR houses are built.

• So, PMAY-U 2.0 removed ISSR as a separate vertical.

Problems with PMAY and Delhi Slums

• Projects get cancelled or are incomplete.

• Land disputes, politics, and a lack of cooperation.

What Should Be Done?

• Better planning and faster approvals.

• Talk to slum dwellers before making plans.

• Build houses where people live and work.

• Affordable housing should be close to city areas.

Final Thoughts

Slum Redevelopment in Delhi is not just about building new houses—it’s about giving millions of people a chance at a better life.

While the government has made efforts through policies like in-situ redevelopment and schemes under PMAY-U, progress has been slow. Challenges such as land ownership issues, poor project execution, and lack of developer interest have held back success.

However, recent policy reforms and incentives could improve future outcomes. For SSC aspirants, understanding this issue means knowing the balance between urban planning, public policy, and social welfare. This topic remains crucial in exams and real-world governance alike.