Allot homes to 12,000 displaced, Gujarat High Court tells AMC

In an important ruling pertaining to state government's dream project, the Sabarmati Riverfront, the Gujarat high court on Friday directed Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to rehabilitate hutment dwellers displaced due to the project by November this year. 

Bench headed by chief justice SJ Mukhopadhya issued ruling in connection with petition filed by slum dwellers and Lok Adhikar Sangh, an NGO, to provide alternate housing for those who are residing by the riverfront. Previously, government had razed hutments from both sides of the riverfront. 

"High court bench has directed AMC to complete process for allocation of homes to slum dwellers by November this year. The order will benefit 12,000 families who will be rendered homeless due to the project," said Girish Patel, senior counsel for slum dwellers.

"Court also directed AMC to complete process of identifying eligibility of 1,350 slum dwellers who claimed homes but haven't got them yet," said Patel.

It is pertinent to note that recently state government allotted alternative houses to slum dwellers by organising a function. Also 6,000 families are already allotted homes.

Hundreds of hutments were razed by AMC for SRDP. The government has planned to develop buildings, malls, gardens, amusement parks and other facilities in this space.