Surat is making significant strides towards becoming India’s first major slum-free city with a population exceeding 70 lakh. The city has seen a remarkable reduction in slum areas from 38% in 2006 to just about 5% currently, showcasing the positive impact of urban reforms initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
The efforts to improve living standards in informal settlements have led to a drastic decrease in slum areas in Surat, paving the way for it to potentially be declared the state’s first slum-free metropolitan city. Prime Minister Modi’s visionary initiative to make cities and metros slum-free has been instrumental in this transformation.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, recognizing Surat’s progress, has directed officials to take focused, result-oriented actions to achieve the goal of making Surat Gujarat’s first slum-free city. He has also urged for the replication of the Surat model in other cities and metropolitan areas across the state to further enhance urban living conditions.
If Surat accomplishes this milestone, it will become India’s first large slum-free city, surpassing Chandigarh, which currently holds this distinction with a population of around 10 lakh. The state government is committed to extending similar slum-free initiatives throughout Gujarat to promote inclusive urban development and enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
