Sun Dec 28 20:18:35 UTC 2025: Summary:

Dilapidated EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) flats in Bhalswa, North Delhi, are slated for redevelopment after remaining largely vacant and in disrepair for years. Despite being part of a larger initiative to provide affordable housing to jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) dwellers, thousands of flats remain unoccupied due to their poor condition and lack of essential facilities. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged to transform the site into a modern residential complex, and the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) is initiating the tender process for repairs. Similar issues plague EWS flats in other areas like Sultanpuri and Dwarka. The program has faced delays due to land ownership issues, survey disruptions, and disagreements with central authorities. Thousands of eligible beneficiaries have paid for the flats but are still waiting for allocation.

News Article:

Delhi Government to Redevelop Derelict EWS Flats in Bhalswa

New Delhi, December 29, 2025 – The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has announced plans to redevelop thousands of dilapidated flats meant for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in Bhalswa, North Delhi. The move comes after years of neglect and vacancy, despite a pressing need for affordable housing in the city.

The Bhalswa flats, part of a larger project under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), comprise 7,400 units that have fallen into disrepair due to faulty wiring, water damage, and missing fixtures. Chief Minister Gupta, after inspecting the site, called the current situation a “grave injustice to poor families” and promised to transform the area into a modern residential complex.

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), responsible for managing the flats, has initiated the tender process for repairs. “The flats require repairs to make them habitable again,” said a DUSIB official. “We are aiming to start the tender process within six months for all the sites.”

The redevelopment plan also aims to address the lack of essential facilities, such as schools, health centers, and community halls, which are crucial for the successful relocation of slum dwellers.

However, the project has faced significant hurdles in the past. A survey to identify eligible beneficiaries was disrupted due to land ownership issues and disagreements with central authorities. Despite thousands of families having paid for the flats, allocation remains stalled.

Similar issues persist in EWS flat complexes in Sultanpuri and Dwarka, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to address Delhi’s affordable housing crisis. The government hopes that the redevelopment of the Bhalswa flats will serve as a model for revitalizing similar projects and ensuring that affordable housing reaches those who need it most.

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