DDA Demolishes 1200 Illegal Structures in Kalkaji Following Court Order; Rehabilitation Remains Contentious; Next Action Planned for Batla House.
Delhi News: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) conducted a large-scale anti-encroachment drive in a landless camp in Kalkaji, Delhi. Approximately 1200 illegal shanties and two-to-three-story structures were demolished as part of this operation. This action was taken in compliance with orders from the Delhi High Court.
Action Following High Court Order
The landless camp in Kalkaji had been a hub of illegal encroachments for years. According to the DDA, the land is government-owned, and the shanties and multi-story buildings were constructed without permission. The case had been in court for about 10 years, and the High Court finally authorized the DDA to remove the encroachments.
Bulldozer Action After Notices Issued
On June 9th, the DDA issued notices to the residents, informing them of the court's order to vacate their homes. Residents were informed that over 1200 illegal structures would be demolished. The demolition drive began at 5:00 AM. Five bulldozers were deployed, and the operation was carried out in the presence of a large police contingent.
Allocated Flats for Rehabilitation
Local residents stated they were aware that action could be taken at any time. Some received flats as part of a rehabilitation scheme. However, many claimed the rehabilitation process lacked transparency and that they received no alternative arrangements.
Two-to-Three Story Structures Built in JJ Cluster
A significant number of illegal constructions in the landless camp fell within the JJ cluster boundaries. Some shanties had been converted into permanent structures, including two-to-three-story buildings. According to the DDA, all these constructions were unauthorized and constituted encroachment on public land.
Part of a Larger Anti-Encroachment Campaign
This action is part of a broader anti-encroachment drive undertaken by the DDA. The DDA claims that several areas in Delhi have illegal occupations of government land, which are being removed in a phased manner. Similar actions are expected in other areas following Kalkaji.
Next Bulldozer Action in Batla House
Following Kalkaji, the DDA's next action will target the Batla House area in Okhla, South Delhi. Illegal constructions have been identified in Muradi Road and Khizr Baba Colony. On May 26th, the DDA issued notices to residents, giving them five days to vacate. Some houses were marked with red paint.
However, Khizr Baba Colony has received a court stay, temporarily halting demolition. A High Court hearing is scheduled, after which the next steps will be determined.
Reaction from Local Residents
Many local residents protested the action, claiming they were not given sufficient time or alternatives. Many families are now without housing and are forced to live in the open. Others stated they had applied for flats under the rehabilitation scheme but did not receive them due to irregularities in the process.
