Surat Set to Become India’s First Slum-Free City

Rapid urban growth in India has often created a sharp contrast between modern city skylines and informal slum settlements. Addressing this gap has remained a major governance challenge. Surat, Gujarat’s “Diamond City” is now emerging as a national example by nearly eliminating slums through focused housing policies, efficient administration, and large-scale urban redevelopment.

Why in the News?

Surat is on track to become India’s first slumfree urban zone. The Surat Municipal Corporation has redeveloped most slum clusters into permanent housing using central and state housing schemes, ensuring dignified living conditions for all residents.

Surat’s Slum Redevelopment Plan

The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has adopted a mission mode approach.

• Existing slum clusters are being replaced with multi-storey apartment complexes at the same location (in-situ redevelopment).
• Families are provided permanent, legal housing instead of temporary shelters.
• The aim is to ensure no resident is forced to live in a slum.

Key Features of the New Housing

• Durable, permanent flats for rehabilitated families
• Proper drainage and sewage systems
• Piped drinking water supply
• Street lighting and paved internal roads
• Access to basic civic services like sanitation and waste management

These facilities significantly improve health, safety, and quality of life.

Role of PMAY and State Policies

• PMAY provides central assistance for urban housing.
• Gujarat’s state housing policies complement PMAY funding.
• Efficient coordination between local, state, and central agencies has helped Surat achieve faster results compared to other cities.

Significance of Becoming Slum Free

• Improves urban living standards and public health
• Reduces inequality and social exclusion
• Enhances city aesthetics and land use efficiency
• Sets a model for other Indian cities struggling with slum rehabilitation
• Supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Background: Slums and Urban Housing in India

• Urban slums arise due to rapid migration, lack of affordable housing, and weak urban planning.
• To address this, the government launched housing missions like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aims to provide “Housing for All” through in-situ slum redevelopment, affordable housing, and beneficiary-led construction.

What Is In Situ Slum Redevelopment?

• In-situ redevelopment means rebuilding slums at the same location by constructing multi storey housing.
• Residents are not displaced far from livelihoods, schools, or social networks, making the model more sustainable and acceptable.

Key Summary At Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	Surat nearing slum-free status
Implementing Body	Surat Municipal Corporation
Key Scheme	Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Main Strategy	In-situ slum redevelopment
Housing Type	Multi-storey apartments
Civic Amenities	Water, drainage, lighting, roads
Significance	First potential slum-free city in India

Question

Q. Which city is close to becoming India’s first slum-free city?

A. Indore
B. Ahmedabad
C. Surat
D. Pune