To resolve the stalemate over implementation of a pilot project under the slum improvement programme Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) at Suryatejanagar at Arilova, GVMC is trying out community participation in the preparation of the Detailed Project Report.
The pilot project that proposed construction of housing units G+3 and approved in principle awaits administrative sanction from the State government and release of funds by the Central government. It was approved by the Central and State monitoring and sanctioning committees.
However, the residents have been opposing construction in G+3 structures delaying its implementation. During a recent visit by top officials of Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA), the nodal agency for RAY, and GVMC officers, the residents vociferously protested against the plan to construct houses in G+3 and expressed their resolve to accept only individual houses.
They demanded that instead of 240 housing units in G+3, individual houses be provided and came out with a plan of their own.
However, sources said only 118 houses could be constructed there and the plan proposed by the residents reportedly included land skirting storm water drains (geddas) and under power transmission lines, against the norms.
To solve the stalemate, ARTD (Urban), an NGO that is working among slum residents pursuing demands of tenurial and housing rights, was engaged in the discussions.
“Subsequently, we have directly involved the community members and sorted out the issue with them. Now, depending upon land some beneficiaries will get an individual house with only ground floor and the others have agreed for G+1,” GVMC Additional Commissioner M. Janaki told The Hindu .
Since the earlier DPR was approved by the Government of India, the fresh DPR has to be sent to it again through the State government for approval, Ms. Janaki said.
In the Suryatejanagar slum, infrastructure is proposed to be developed at a cost of Rs. 5 crore with the State and Central government footing 50 per cent each.
Houses are proposed to be constructed at a cost of Rs.6.5 crore with 70 per cent funding by the Central government and 30 per cent being beneficiary cost.
