The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a massive demolition drive, targeting 1,200 illegal constructions in Kalkaji and Batla House
In a dramatic turn of events, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has launched a large-scale demolition drive, targeting illegal constructions in Kalkaji and Batla House. The operation, carried out under High Court orders, aims to reclaim public land and remove unauthorized settlements.
With bulldozers rolling in at dawn, the demolition drive has sparked intense reactions, with residents expressing shock, anger, and despair. While authorities defend the move as necessary for urban planning, critics argue that the evictions were abrupt and lacked proper rehabilitation measures.
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The Demolition Drive Begins
The bulldozer action commenced in Kalkaji’s Bhoomiheen Camp, where over 1,200 unauthorized jhuggis were marked for demolition. The operation began at 5 AM, with five bulldozers and a heavy police presence ensuring order amid rising tensions.
Residents, many of whom had lived in the area for decades, were seen frantically salvaging belongings before their homes were reduced to rubble. Some expressed deep anguish, stating that they had nowhere to go despite prior eviction notices issued on June 10.
Simultaneously, Batla House, another locality in South Delhi, witnessed similar bulldozer action, as authorities removed illegal encroachments under the DDA’s broader anti-encroachment campaign.
Legal Orders & Government Justification
The Delhi High Court’s directive played a crucial role in enabling the demolitions. The case concerning these structures had been ongoing for nearly a decade, with the court eventually denying relief to squatters, allowing the DDA to proceed with demolitions.
Officials argue that the illegal settlements were obstructing urban development, and reclaiming DDA land was essential for infrastructure projects. The government maintains that the drive is part of a larger effort to remove unauthorized constructions across Delhi.
Public Outrage & Emotional Scenes
Despite the legal backing, the demolition drive has triggered widespread outrage. Visuals from the sites show destroyed homes, displaced families, and emotional protests.
Residents claim that the evictions were sudden, leaving them without proper rehabilitation options. Some have approached legal aid groups, seeking intervention to halt further demolitions.
Meanwhile, political parties have weighed in, with opposition leaders criticizing the government’s handling of the situation. The AAP government has protested against the demolitions, calling for alternative housing solutions.
Future Demolition Plans & Legal Challenges
The DDA’s anti-encroachment campaign is far from over. Notices have already been issued for Muradi Road and Khizr Baba Colony, marking them for future demolition.
However, legal interventions have temporarily halted demolitions in Khizr Baba Colony, with the Delhi High Court scheduled to hear the matter later today.
Authorities insist that eligible residents will be provided alternative housing, but many remain uncertain about their future.
Conclusion
The bulldozer drive in Kalkaji and Batla House underscores the Delhi government’s strict stance on illegal settlements. While officials defend the move as necessary for urban planning, the human cost of displacement remains a contentious issue.
As the DDA continues its crackdown, the debate over housing rights, urban development, and legal interventions is far from over.
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