CHANDIGARH:A Housing project for Rs. 20.16 Cr. for construction of 720 dwelling units for slum dwellers in Rajpura has been sanctioned by Central Sanctioning Committee in its meeting held on 30.09.2008 at New Delhi.

The meeting was chaired by Ms. Kiran Dhingra, Secretary, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India. The meeting was attended by Sh. P.K. Mohanty, Joint Secretary, HUPA, Sh. D.S. Negi, Director (NBO), Representatives from Planning and Finance Department of Government of India, Sh. D.S. Bains, Principal Secretary, Local Government and other officers from various State Governments.

Concerned at the pathetic and unhygienic conditions of slum dwellers who are economically weaker sections of the society, Mr. D.S. Bains Principal Secretary Local Government said that the Detailed Project Report for construction of dwelling units for slum dwellers in Rajpura was got prepared from HUDCO under Integrated Housing and Slum Development Programme (IHSDP). 103 no. of slum dwellers presently residing in Shorgir Basti, 465 in Old Mirch Mandi, 102 in Partap Colony and 46 in Kasturba Seva Asharam would be rehabilitated.

A total no. of 720 dwelling units would be constructed in a span of 12 months. Each dwelling unit would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.15 lacs. The total area of a dwelling unit is 35.63 Sq. mtr. having 2 bed rooms with individual access to toilet / bathroom. The dwelling construction would be of G+3 type, which would accommodate all the beneficiaries. The basic physical infrastructure like water supply, sanitation, drainage, street lighting, roads and solid waste management would also be ensured. Besides this, social infrastructure like community centre including Library-cum-reading room, multipurpose hall for social family functions and health centre, livelihood centre, informal market, playing space, parks and green belt would also be developed as a part of this project. 

Earlier, a similar project for construction of 4832 dwelling units at the cost of Rs. 66.64 Cr. in Ludhiana was sanctioned by Government of India, the foundation stone of which has recently been laid by Punjab Chief Minister. 4 slum clusters will be covered under the project which shall be completed in a span of 18 months.