Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Chandigarh's 'Slum-Free' Status: Beyond Cleanliness
Chandigarh has been declared 'slum-free,' meaning it has removed its slums.
However, the real question is if the people who lived in these slums now have better lives.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a cleanliness initiative, is being implemented.
The article explains how the city's efforts should focus on helping displaced families find new homes, education, and jobs.
The success of the mission depends on creating a city where everyone, including street vendors, has a chance to thrive and live in dignity.
It emphasizes on a need to move beyond simply cleaning and ensuring that everyone has a safe and hopeful future.
Chandigarh is declared 'slum-free', but the real test is in the well-being of displaced residents.
The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, has expanded from a government program to a citizen movement.
The focus shifts to ensuring dignity and better living conditions for the city's most vulnerable populations.
Urban development involves more than removing slums; it requires improved housing and opportunities.
The article highlights the importance of inclusive policies, especially for street vendors.
- Who
- RK Saboo, a former Rotary International president and advocate for civic responsibility, discusses the implications of Chandigarh's 'slum-free' status.
- What
- The focus of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan shifts to ensuring better living conditions and opportunities for displaced residents in Chandigarh.
- When
- The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan was launched in October 2014.
- Where
- Chandigarh, India.
- Why
- To assess if the city's actions have truly improved the lives of its most vulnerable residents, beyond just removing slums.
Current Initiatives
Future Considerations
Emphasis
Current Initiatives
Focusing on the cleanliness of Chandigarh and the removal of slums.
Future Considerations
Focusing on inclusive policies and the well-being of displaced residents and street vendors.
- City Status
- Slum-free
- Initiative
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Launched in
- October 2014
- Focus
- Cleanliness and social development