DDA Halts Demolition Drive Amidst Public Backlash

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) halted its planned demolition of illegal structures on the Yamuna floodplain near Majnu Ka Tila gurdwara. Residents expressed distress over the potential loss of homes, with many citing long-term occupation and the presence of school-going children. The DDA's actions were driven by orders from the National Green Tribunal and Delhi High Court.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has paused its demolition drive targeting illegal structures on the Yamuna flood plain near the Majnu Ka Tila gurdwara, according to sources.

A senior police officer reported that demolitions were carried out at Khyber Pass near Civil Lines to clear encroachments on Saturday. Temporary structures on land owned by the Land and Development Office were removed.

Residents, like Sunita of Khyber Pass, voiced their concerns about being left homeless. She noted, 'We have been living here for several decades. We have no other place to go. We want a house where we can live.' Another resident, Kavita, mentioned her children were still in school when their house was demolished.

In Majnu Ka Tila, many Pakistani Hindu residents, who only received the eviction notice late Thursday, were taken aback by the sudden move. The notice cited orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi High Court.

The DDA, in a public notice, stated that the demolition was in compliance with the NGT's April 3 order. The agency has been asked to file a compliance report ahead of the next hearing on July 15.