Declaration of slum areas

(1) Where the competent authority upon report from any of its officers or other information in its possession is satisfied in respects any area that the buildings in that area- (a) are in any respect unfit forhuman habitation; or (b) are by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangements and design of such buildings, narrowness or faulty arrangement of streets, lack of ventilation, light or sanitation facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health or morals, it may, by notificationin the Official Gazette, declare such area to be a slum area: Provided that the competent authority shall not make such declaration unless the persons likely to be affected thereby have been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed declaration. (2) In determining whether a building is unfit for human habitationforthepurpo (a) repairs; (b) stability; (c) freedom from dampness; (d) naturallightand air; (e) water supply; (f) drainage. and sanitary conveniences; (g) facilities for storage, preparation and cooking of food and for the disposal of waste water; and the building shall be deemed to be unfit as aforesaid if and only if it is so far defective on one or more of the said matters that it is not reasonably suitable for occupation in that condition.