Children and families sift through the rubble of their demolished homes in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, left homeless after the DDA’s drainage-clearance operation on May 5, 2025. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
Saddam Hussain
On a grey Monday morning, bulldozers rolled into the narrow lanes of Taimoor Nagar, accompanied by police and paramilitary personnel. Within hours, a community that had stood for decades was reduced to rubble.
The demolition, carried out jointly by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation, was in response to an April 28 Delhi High Court order. The court had called for the removal of illegal structures built along local drains, linking them to chronic waterlogging in the region—worsened by the recent downpours on May 1 and 2.
A JCB excavator demolishes residential buildings during a clearance drive by the Delhi Development Authority in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, on May 5, 2025, reducing decades-old structures to rubble. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
By 9 AM, the ground trembled under the weight of heavy machines clearing nearly half a kilometre of encroachments. Over 100 families, many working as domestic workers, cleaners, or vendors, were caught in the middle—with nowhere to go.
“We’ve lived here for years,” said Raju Vaid, a school cleaner whose home was among those razed, while talking to media. “I understand the drains need cleaning. But where are we supposed to sleep now?”
A bulldozer stands amid the debris of partially demolished buildings in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, during a demolition drive carried out by the Delhi Development Authority on May 5, 2025. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
The DDA, in a statement, claimed that prior notices were issued, warning residents about the encroachments. Many, however, refused to leave, prompting legal petitions. A group of 14 petitioners had asked the court to halt the demolition, but the plea was rejected.
Two young boys salvage usable materials from the rubble of demolished homes in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, on May 5, 2025, following a demolition drive by the Delhi Development Authority. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
While affected families grieve the loss of shelter, some in neighbouring localities welcomed the crackdown. “Our drains are always overflowing,” said Rajiv Gupta, head of Kalindi Colony’s Residents’ Welfare Association. “These illegal structures are choking the system. This was necessary, even if difficult.”
A group of police personnel stand watch as the Delhi Development Authority carries out a demolition drive in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, on May 5, 2025. Residents can be seen observing the operation from their balconies. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
For Taimoor Nagar’s displaced families, the monsoon is now more than just a drainage issue—it’s a looming threat of disease, exposure, and uncertainty.
Several homes lie in complete ruins along the Yamuna canal in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, following a demolition drive by the Delhi Development Authority on May 5, 2025. Men, women, and children sift through rubble, searching for anything salvageable. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
As night falls, no alternate accommodation has been arranged. The only shelter now is each other.
A child sits atop the rubble of his demolished home in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, on May 5, 2025, after the Delhi Development Authority’s drainage-clearance operation left over 100 families homeless. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
Residents of Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, stand amidst the debris of their demolished homes on May 5, 2025, as they salvage belongings following the Delhi Development Authority’s clearance drive. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
A JCB excavator demolishes residential buildings during a clearance drive by the Delhi Development Authority in Taimoor Nagar, South Delhi, on May 5, 2025, as residents watch from nearby rooftops. Saddam Hussain / The Observer Post
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