Amid allegations of inclusion of EWS houses in Dwarka sector 23 in the new Housing Scheme 2014 as one-bedroom apartments, the DDA issued a clarification saying the shift was made only after an in situ rehabilitation of slum dwellers was initiated and that it is committed to providing housing to all sections.
“It is clarified that the scheme of flats in Dwarka sector 23 was initially conceived as affordable houses for lower sections and accordingly, the work started in 2010. During one of the inspections of sample flat in 2012, the then Minister of Urban Development had suggested that these flats, when ready, should be used as EWS houses for project-affected persons and rehabilitation of nearby slum dwellers,” the DDA said.
“Accordingly,” it noted, “in order to identify the cluster, part survey was conducted of nearby slum clusters and simultaneously efforts were made to get funds from the government to subsidise the cost so that the flats are within the affordable range of the slum dwellers.
In spite of the best efforts, the funding by the government (HUPA) was not granted and in the meantime, the policy of in situ development of slum clusters was initiated”.
“Subsequently, during the course of construction of these houses and in view of the in situ rehabilitation of slum clusters having being initiated, certain specifications in respect to these flats in Dwarka were changed so that houses could be allotted to lower strata of society as affordable houses instead of for rehabilitation.
These higher specifications included ceramic tiles flooring, oil paints distemper, flush door shutters, power points, and kitchen stainless steel sink,” the land agency said.
The DDA also said that the idea of providing these flats for rehabilitation purpose was considered but it was not taken to its logical conclusions due to lack of commitment and costs beyond the range for rehabilitation purposes as no subsidy was being given by the government.
Houses for all sections“The DDA is committed to providing houses for all sections and, therefore, the separate policy for in situ development, which had been initiated earlier, has been taken up and about 291 clusters have already been identified for the purpose ofrehabilitation of slum dwellers. This policy for rehabilitation is preferred as it does not disturb the employment avenues of the dwellers and there is minimum displacement,” it said, adding a pilot project has already been initiated at Kathputli Colony.
