युवा आवेग

Gujarat's thriving centre for textiles and diamonds, Surat, has made history by becoming the first legally recognised slum-free city in India. This change is a potent illustration of how inclusive government, community involvement, and visionary leadership can alter the social and physical landscape of an Indian city. It is not merely a triumph of urban design.

252.1) From Rapid Urbanization to Urban Renewal

Rapid industrial growth put Surat under tremendous strain in the 1990s. Large-scale rural-to-urban migration resulted in overcrowding, poor sanitation, growing slums, and hazards to public health. A sizable portion of the populace lacked permanent homes, electricity, drainage, toilets, and clean water.

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) implemented a people-centric urban regeneration policy, emphasising rehabilitation with dignity rather than removal, after realising the long-term hazards of unplanned urbanisation.

252.2) Slum-Free Vision

The "Slum-Free City Action Plan" under the Rajiv Awas Yojana, which subsequently linked with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban), was the driving force behind Surat's transformation. The city used a multifaceted strategy:

1) In-situ rehabilitation: To maintain social networks and means of subsistence, slum inhabitants were relocated to their original residences.
2) Building affordable housing: Dangerous shanties were replaced by multi-story, disaster-resistant apartments.
3) Land pooling and PPP models: To expedite the delivery of houses, private developers collaborated with SMC.
4) Complete municipal integration: Water, drainage, roads, street lighting, schools, anganwadis, and medical services were all connected to the new settlements.
5) Property rights: In order to guarantee social security and financial inclusion, residents were granted legal titles.

252.3) A Healthier, Safer and More Resilient City

Surat has had notable changes after slums were eliminated:

1) Public health metrics have improved, particularly the decline in water-borne and vector-borne illnesses.
2) Surat's standing as one of India's cleanest cities was reinforced by an increase in sanitation and cleanliness standards.
3) Women and children now have improved access to healthcare, education, and safer living conditions.
4) As new housing conforms with fire and catastrophe safety regulations, urban resilience has risen.

252.4) Community at Core

Active community involvement has been a key component of Surat's success. In order to ensure openness and acceptance, residents participated in surveys, beneficiary identification, housing design feedback, and relocation planning. Initiatives for women's empowerment, livelihood training, and awareness campaigns were supported by NGOs and self-help organisations.

252.5) Economic and Social Impact

Access to bank credit, small company loans, and government social programs has been made possible by legal home ownership. Surat's workforce and productivity have been strengthened by the inclusion of formerly marginalised families in the formal urban economy.

Cleaner neighbourhoods draw investment, tourists, and commercial development, which creates a positive feedback loop for the city's economy.

252.6) A Blueprint for Developed India

Slums are a planning error that can be fixed, as demonstrated by Surat's slum-free status. The city currently serves as a national example for inclusive urban development, proving that compassionate rehabilitation is both economically and socially responsible.

Surat's voyage conveys a clear message as India progressively becomes more urbanised:

Development becomes sustainable and cities become really habitable when there is inclusive governance.

Team Yuva Aaveg-

Adarsh Tiwari

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