Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday said her government is committed to providing dignified housing for the poor as she inspected the run-down EWS flats in Bhalswa-Jahangirpuri, blaming the previous government for leaving the complex abandoned for years.
The chief minister criticised the previous government for “making promises but doing nothing on the ground” for the city’s poor during her inspection of economically weaker sections (EWS) flats.
“The Bhalswa flats, where we are standing today, were completed in 2016. From 2016 to 2025, these flats deteriorated into a dilapidated condition, yet the previous government did not allot a single flat to a poor family. This is a betrayal of the people. Around 7,400 flats were constructed here, but they have been lying abandoned, turning into ruins, and even the fittings and materials have gone missing,” she said.
The Chief Minister said that the visit was conducted to assess the current condition of the flats and to expedite their completion and allocation. She directed officials of the concerned departments to fast-track all pending work and ensure early readiness of the flats for allotment to jhuggi dwellers.
The chief minister added that the government has now prepared a plan to completely remodel the flats and develop them into a “model settlement” with essential facilities.
“We will redesign these flats to ensure that every required facility is available. There will be shops, proper parking spaces for all vehicles, rickshaw safety provisions, and charging stations,” she said.
The Chief Minister further stated that the Delhi government has developed a new, modern and fully equipped rehabilitation model for jhuggi clusters. Under this model, the Bhalswa flats will be comprehensively repaired and redeveloped into a modern residential complex with all essential services. The project will include e-rickshaw charging stations, secure commercial areas, parking facilities, healthcare services, parks and anganwadi centres.
She said that the proposed redevelopment will also include a primary school, an Ayushman Arogya Mandir, children’s play areas and other community facilities.
Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood said that thousands of families were denied their rightful homes, and within nine years, the flats slipped into a neglected state.
