We're Finally Homeowners

For around 1,400 families living in the slum clusters of northwest Delhi's Jailorwala Bagh, Friday marked a transformative moment.

- Snehil Sinha

NEW DELHI: They were handed the keys to new flats under the Swabhiman Apartments in-situ slum rehabilitation project in Ashok Vihar ending decades of living in makeshift shelters with little hope of proper housing.

"It feels like a dream come true. I have been living in the jhuggi for over 20 years and now I will shift to this flat where I will get a better life," said Vishwanath Jha, a mechanic at a spoon-making factory, who was allotted a flat in Swabhiman Apartments. Originally from Bihar's Madhubani, Jha was among the recipients handed the keys to the newly constructed flats by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a ceremony at 1 pm on Friday.

Addressing the recipients, the PM called the new housing a symbol of dignity and progress. "These homes represent the dreams and self-respect of their owners. They are more than just buildings; they reflect the aspirations of the people," Modi said.

This project is the second successful in-situ rehabilitation initiative by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), following the Kalkaji project, which was also inaugurated by the PM two years ago. Officials explained that the goal is to provide slum dwellers a healthier and more secure living environment.

The Swabhiman Apartments are designed with modern infrastructure, including community facilities, a sewage treatment plant, and access to clean drinking water. Each flat, measuring 340 square feet, includes a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and balcony. "It's not just about relocating people; it's about giving them the infrastructure they deserve to live with dignity," a DDA official said.