In a bold step towards urban transformation, the Delhi government has unveiled plans to redevelop all 675 officially recognized slum clusters across the national capital, drawing inspiration from Mumbai’s Dharavi model—the largest slum redevelopment initiative in Asia. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized a structured, humane, and comprehensive approach to rehabilitation, promising an organized transition for slum dwellers to permanent housing.

Delhi’s Dharavi-Inspired Slum Redevelopment Plan
Strategic Vision: A City-Wide Slum Redevelopment Push
The Dharavi redevelopment model, which centers on in-situ rehabilitation, will serve as a blueprint for Delhi’s ambitious initiative. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stressed the necessity of a planned and phased approach to relocate residents to permanent EWS housing.
- Total Slums to be Rehabilitated: 675
- Governing Agency: Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB)
- Lands Involved: Delhi government, DDA, Indian Railways, and other central entities
Reviving 50,000 EWS Flats: A Second Chance
To fast-track rehabilitation, the government plans to revive 50,000 EWS flats built in areas like Bawana and Narela under older schemes. These flats have remained unoccupied for years due to:
- Rigid eligibility norms
- Political disputes between the state and central governments
- Deterioration due to non-use
Now, with renewed political will and financial planning, these units will be refurbished and finally allotted.
Key Highlights: Summary Table
Item | Details |
---|---|
Total Slum Clusters in Delhi | 675 |
Model Referenced | Dharavi Redevelopment Model (Mumbai) |
Number of EWS Flats to be Revived | 50,000 |
Location of EWS Flats | Bawana, Narela |
Governing Agency | Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) |
Noteworthy Action | Ashok Vihar demolition post flat allotment (June 16, 2025) |
Government’s Message: Quotes from the CM
“After people get houses, they will have to vacate the jhuggis. I believe that Delhi needs a revival… we are studying the Dharavi model of Mumbai so that we can plan the redevelopment of all 675 jhuggi clusters of Delhi.” – Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi
“Demolishing the jhuggis is not the objective. Our objective is to rehabilitate in an organised and smooth way.”
“Fifty thousand flats were available for years but the previous governments did not allot them even though many jhuggi dwellers had deposited money years ago… now we are making a plan with thousands of crores to revive those flats.”
Addressing Legacy Challenges
Gupta criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to utilize the existing EWS flats. She accused AAP leaders of creating political friction that delayed rehabilitation efforts, and spreading misinformation among residents.
“The AAP leaders are spreading misinformation among people due to political considerations.”
The CM reassured that no injustice would be done to genuine slum residents and that policies would be inclusive and fair, considering all registered and eligible beneficiaries.
FAQ: Redevelopment of Delhi’s Slums
1. What is the Dharavi model being referred to in Delhi’s redevelopment plan?
The Dharavi model involves in-situ rehabilitation, where residents are relocated to formal housing without being displaced from their communities. It ensures minimal disruption and provides basic amenities.
2. How many slum clusters will be redeveloped in Delhi?
A total of 675 officially recognized slum clusters across Delhi are targeted for redevelopment.
3. What will happen to existing EWS flats in Bawana and Narela?
The Delhi government plans to refurbish and allot the 50,000 unused EWS flats to eligible slum dwellers, resolving previous eligibility and political bottlenecks.
4. Will slum residents be forced to vacate their homes immediately?
No. The plan involves a phased transition. Residents will be required to move only after receiving formal housing under the rehabilitation plan.
5. Who is overseeing this initiative?
The initiative is led by the Delhi government with execution support from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).