HC critiques poor slum redvpt, urges proper hsg solutions

SLUMS ACT REVIEW | Govt directed to formulate plan to tackle migrant influx; earlier SC noted gridlock in slum welfare legislation, with 1,600 cases pending

- Urvi Mahajani

Expressing concern over the poor construction quality of slum redevelopment projects, which were akin to 'vertical slums', the Bombay high court said that the lack of ventilation and space between such buildings would lead to health problems and the tenants were better off 'encroaching' on the ground. The court also remarked that this was a serious issue against the right to life and personal liberty and the same needs to be addressed. The court suggested that the state government can consider creating a housing pool, which could be given at low-cost rents to the migratory population who come to the city to earn a living.