HC raises concern over poor construction of slum redevelopment buildings; calls them vertical slums
PTI, Sep 20, 2024, 12:55 PM IST
The Bombay High Court on Friday raised concerns about the poor manner in which slum redevelopment buildings were constructed in the city, terming these structures as “vertical slums”.
A division bench of Justices G S Kulkarni and Somasekhar Sunderesan said such buildings were constructed in a congested manner, with no space between them, cutting off ventilation and sunlight.
“We are not going to appreciate these vertical slums. Buildings constructed are so congested. No light, no space, no sunlight and no ventilation. This will cause health problems. They (slum dwellers) are better off on grounds encroaching,” the court said.
The bench called it a serious issue against Article 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution.
The bench was set up last month to undertake a “performance audit” of the Maharashtra Slum Area (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act following directives issued by the Supreme Court.
The apex court had raised concerns about the working of the Act.
The high court on Friday said there has to be robust implementation of provisions of the Act, citing examples of public housing projects in foreign countries.
It noted that the influx of migrant workers in the city will keep increasing, and the authorities cannot adopt a wait-and-watch policy.
“Migrant workers come in…work is available, pay is available, but no place to stay. Then they stay in slums. We need to understand that this won’t stop. It may only increase. We cannot just wait and watch now,” it said.
The bench directed all parties concerned to submit their suggestions on the issue, which the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) will look into.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 15.
On July 30, the Supreme Court asked the high court to set up a bench to “initiate suo motu proceedings” to conduct a performance audit of the state slum redevelopment law, noting, “The welfare legislation for the poor is gridlocked and more than 1,600 cases related to the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act are pending before the Bombay High Court.”
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
SC notice to Gujarat govt on Asaram’s plea seeking suspension of sentence in 2013 rape case
US charges against Adani, 7 others could lead to arrest warrants, extradition bid: attorney
Kerala HC denies bail to police officer accused of ‘raping’ minor Dalit girl
Nursing student suicide: Three students arrested in Kerala
Nadda’s letter to Kharge full of falsehoods: Cong
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
SC notice to Gujarat govt on Asaram’s plea seeking suspension of sentence in 2013 rape case
BJP stages protest against Karnataka govt over Waqf properties row
US charges against Adani, 7 others could lead to arrest warrants, extradition bid: attorney
Youth attempts suicide after being humiliated in public for wearing ripped jeans in Belthangady
Baku climate talks: The ‘X’ factor that could determine future of Global South
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.