Authorities in Delhi demolished nearly 1000 homes of low-income families in Chilla Khadar Village, South Delhi. Families received a demolition notice just 12 hours before the drive, leaving them helpless.
The demolition drive in Yamuna floodplains included a DUSIB night shelter and educational institution and a vocational training centre run by an NGO.
Although the order stated that the families would be provided with shelters, the shelters were also demolished leaving no place for the evicted families to stay.
Speaking to The Indian Express, one of the in charge at Porta Cabins in Yamuna Khadar said, “ I repeatedly told them that this is a government structure. But they didn’t listen.”
Condemning the actions of DDA, Delhi’s Urban Development Minister told The Indian Express “This is illegal. DDA has shown its anti-poor mentality. We will explore legal options against this Condemning the actions of DDA.”
Many demolitions are expected in the upcoming days in the Yamuna area which will affect several families.
Residents speak about their plights
Near Pusta Road, Poonam Devi sits in distress in front of her broken tent not knowing what to do ahead of her daughter’s marriage since the wedding tent was razed to ground level.
Nearly 50 meters away from this place, another family grieves the death of Heera Lal Singh outside their demolished home. Lal’s Nephew says “ They demolished our homes when the body was laid here. We have been living here for the past 27 years”.
According to another resident, Tahir Ali, the demolition notice was served around 4:30 PM on Thursday asking to vacate before 10 AM on Friday, however, the demolitions began at 7 AM.
Ali is worried about the future of 40-50 kids who attend a local school nearby.
A letter written to the CJI DY Chandrachud by social Activist and Executive Director of the Centre for Holistic Development reads “This action(demolition) violates the Supreme Court ruling which mandates that no temporary shelters can be demolished without approaching the Hon’ble Supreme Court”.
Residents were informed that they could apply for rehabilitation under ‘Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana’ and ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’.
Four petitions were filed against the demolitions and demanding rehabilitation by the residents but the court declared that residents will not be rehabilitated. The petitioners demanded that a survey be done by DDA in those affected areas and help with the rehabilitation process.
