GHMC’s efforts to redevelop the Keshavnagar slum in Serlingampally circle as a pilot project under the public, private partnership (PPP) mode under Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) took a step ahead with the government permitting construction of transit housing for the slum dwellers.
About 334 transit houses along with two office blocks are to be constructed at a total cost of about Rs.6.34 crore and at a unit cost of Rs.1.89 lakh. The proposed transit housing will be constructed in five ground plus three floors. The Central government will fund 50 per cent of cost at Rs.3.17 crore, State 20 per cent at 1.26 crore, and GHMC 30 per cent at Rs.1.90 crore.
The civic body will have to bear the burden of any extra cost in price escalation of various items. Once people living in Keshavnagar slum are shifted to the remodelled colony, the units constructed can be utilised as transit accommodation for beneficiaries of another slum.
On redevelopment agenda
Keshavnagar was touted to be the first slum to be redeveloped under RAY in the country and was chosen as one among the 1,476 slums dotting the city. It is among the 61 slums in the municipal circle spread out in an area of 12.10 acres currently and has a population of 1,026 persons living in 221 houses with an average family income of Rs. 31,125 with just 22 among them being proper dwellings.
Under the redevelopment plan, Rs. 52 crore will be spent for reconstructing houses and basic infrastructure in an area of 7.38 acres leaving four acres for usage by the developer for building either residential or commercial complexes. Each household is to be given individual housing units in the ratio of 60 sq. yards for a ‘pucca’ house, 45 sq. yards for semi-‘pucca’ and 36 sq. yards for ‘kutcha’ house.
The improved slum will have 12-metre wide roads all round and internal roads, play area for children and parks. RAY entitles them to have clear titles.
