Surat, one of India’s fastest-growing urban centres, is being positioned as the country’s next slum-free city, following years of large-scale rehabilitation and housing projects. Gujarat government officials have claimed that the city has made historic progress in relocating slum dwellers into permanent homes, bringing Surat close to officially achieving slum-free status.
However, even as the state government celebrates the milestone, local residents and activists have raised doubts, arguing that pockets of slums still exist and that the claim may be premature without updated census data.
Government Claims Major Success in Slum Rehabilitation
On December 31, senior Gujarat officials, including Jitu Vaghani, announced that Surat has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past two decades. According to the government, thousands of families who once lived in unsafe and flood-prone slums have been rehabilitated into permanent housing.
Much of this effort focused on relocating residents from vulnerable zones along the Tapi River, which has historically caused flooding and displacement. These families were shifted into modern apartments built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Officials say the new homes provide access to:
- Clean drinking water
- Proper drainage and sanitation
- Paved roads and electricity
- Improved safety and stability
The government argues that these measures have significantly reduced informal settlements across the city.
Chief Minister Pushes for Final Phase
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reportedly instructed authorities to carry out phased efforts to eliminate the remaining slum pockets. With these steps, the state hopes Surat will soon surpass Chandigarh to become India’s largest slum-free city by population.
State officials describe the Surat model as an example of planned urban development, combining housing, infrastructure, and disaster management. They believe the city’s experience could serve as a blueprint for other fast-growing Indian cities struggling with slums.
Role of PMAY Apartments in the Transformation
A key pillar of Surat’s slum-reduction strategy has been the construction of PMAY apartments. These housing projects aim to provide economically weaker sections with dignified living conditions instead of temporary shelters.
According to the government, relocated families have benefited from:
- Legal ownership or long-term housing security
- Better access to schools, healthcare, and transport
- Reduced exposure to floods and health hazards
Urban planners say such rehabilitation efforts, when executed properly, can help break the cycle of poverty linked to unsafe housing.
Locals Question the ‘Slum-Free’ Claim
Despite official optimism, several local residents and civic voices have challenged the claim that Surat is nearly slum-free. Social media users and activists have shared photos and videos from areas they say still resemble slum settlements.
Local citizen Nalini Unagar and others have pointed to locations such as:
- Fulvadi
- Nanpura
- Areas near the Surat railway station
According to them, these neighbourhoods continue to show signs of overcrowding, temporary housing, and inadequate civic facilities. Critics argue that simply relocating some settlements does not automatically mean all slums have been eliminated.
Concerns Over Lack of Fresh Census Data
One of the biggest concerns raised by critics is the absence of recent census or survey data to support the slum-free claim. India’s last full census was conducted in 2011, and many believe urban conditions have changed significantly since then.
Without updated official data, skeptics argue it is difficult to verify:
- The exact number of slum households still living in the city
- Whether all informal settlements have been formally rehabilitated
- If relocated families have remained in the new housing or returned to informal areas
Urban experts say transparent data is essential before declaring a city slum-free.
Urban Growth and Migration Add Complexity
Surat’s rapid economic growth adds another layer to the debate. As a major hub for textiles, diamonds, and manufacturing, the city attracts thousands of migrant workers every year from different parts of India.
Experts point out that:
- Continuous migration creates new housing pressure
- Informal settlements can re-emerge near industrial zones
- Affordable rental housing remains limited
Even as old slums are cleared, new informal housing clusters can appear if job growth is not matched with sufficient housing
Government Response to Criticism
State officials have responded to criticism by stating that slum elimination is an ongoing process, not a one-time announcement. They maintain that remaining pockets are either:
- Already surveyed for rehabilitation
- Temporary encroachments under review
- Located in transition zones awaiting redevelopment
Officials insist that the government’s intent is genuine and that the goal of a slum-free Surat will be achieved in a structured and humane manner.
Experts Call for Balanced Assessment
Urban development experts suggest that both sides of the debate hold valid points. While Surat has undoubtedly made significant progress compared to many Indian cities, declaring it fully slum-free may require:
- Independent verification
- Updated surveys or mini-census studies
- Clear definitions of what qualifies as a “slum”
Experts also stress the importance of ensuring that rehabilitated families have sustainable livelihoods and community support in their new locations.
What Lies Ahead for Surat
As Surat continues its push toward becoming a slum-free city, the coming months will be crucial. The government is expected to:
- Intensify redevelopment of remaining informal areas
- Improve data transparency
- Strengthen affordable housing for migrants
Whether Surat officially earns the slum-free tag or not, its long-term success will depend on inclusive urban planning, not just infrastructure numbers.
Progress Meets Public Scrutiny
Surat’s journey toward slum-free status reflects both ambition and complexity. The city has clearly moved forward through large-scale rehabilitation and improved housing, but questions from residents highlight the need for careful verification and honest assessment.
As India’s cities expand rapidly, Surat’s experience serves as a reminder that urban transformation must balance government claims with ground realities. Only then can the promise of dignified housing for all truly be fulfilled.
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