The state government has taken an important step to reduce pollution in Delhi and provide relief to poor families. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that now the families living in the slums of the capital will be linked to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

According to the information, under this decision, free LPG gas connections will be given to those families who till now cook with wood, coal or kerosene oil.

Slum survey will start soon in Delhi – Rekha Gupta

The Chief Minister has directed the officials of Delhi Shelter Board (DUSIB) to conduct a survey in the slums as soon as possible to find out which families have not yet received the benefits of this scheme. He said that the aim of the government is to provide clean and safe fuel to every poor family, so that the smoke does not affect the health of women and children.

This step will be helpful in reducing pollution in Delhi- CM

Rekha Gupta told that cooking with wood and coal not only spreads smoke in the houses, but it also increases the air pollution of Delhi. In such a situation, use of LPG is not only better for health but will also prove beneficial for the environment. The government has made it clear that all the essential items like LPG cylinder, gas stove and pipe will be given free to the eligible families, so that no one faces any problem.

Crores of families across the country have benefited from this scheme – CM

The Chief Minister has asked the officials to complete the survey work expeditiously and prepare a list and include as many slum families as possible under this scheme. He said that this step will open a new chapter of cleanliness, health and respect in the lives of the poor.

It is noteworthy that Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana is an ambitious initiative of the Central Government, which was started in the year 2016. The objective of this scheme is to free every poor family of the country from traditional fuels by giving them free LPG connection. Till now crores of families across the country have benefited from this scheme.

Delhi government believes that if the use of LPG increases in slums also, air pollution will reduce and the standard of living of the people will improve. This decision will not only bring relief to the poor but is also being considered a big step towards improving the environment of the capital.

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More than 6,000 residents of Indira Colony in North-West Delhi have been relieved at present. The Delhi High Court has stayed the proposed encroachment removal campaign on Saturday and has given clear instructions that no forced action will be taken till 31 July.

This order came on a petition of Indira Colony Resident Welfare Association, in which the eviction notice issued by Northern Railway was challenged on 4 July. The Railways had issued a decree to withdraw this colony as an ‘illegal possession’. The High Court admitted that the case is serious and more intensive investigation.

This is BJP’s anti -poor policy

This issue has also taken political color. Aam Aadmi Party leader and opposition leader in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, said in a press conference, before the election, the Prime Minister had promised ‘where slums, houses there’. Now bulldozers are being run on the same slums. He called it the “anti -poor” policy of the BJP.

Former Shalimar Bagh MLA Bandana Kumari alleged that there is an atmosphere of fear and panic among the local people. He said, this area belongs to BJP’s Chief Minister candidate Rekha Gupta. Despite their trust, a slum has already been dropped.

The petitioners told the court that this eviction is a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to live with life and respect, including housing. He also alleged that the procedures prescribed under the draft protocols of Delhi slum rehabilitation policy, 2015 and 2016 were not followed.

It was said in the petition that it is against the rules and laws to take such steps without giving information, survey or rehabilitation plan. The name of the colony is in the list of 675 eligible settlements of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and is at number 74. According to Dusib rules, the owner of the land is necessary to confirm the eligibility from the first board.

Railways said, ‘This land is ours’

The central government counsel, appearing on behalf of the government side, said that it is the railway land and the existing residents are illegally settled there. According to him, the notice of eviction has been duly issued under the Railway Act and the legal provisions related to the Railway Act. ‘

Suspense continues before next hearing

After hearing the arguments of both the parties, the Delhi High Court said that no forced action will be appropriate until the matter is thoroughly investigated. The court has fixed the next hearing on 31 July. For the moment, the residents of Indira Colony have been relieved, but their future now rests on the judicial decision.