Delhi Development Authority Halts Demolition Plans in Majnu Ka Tila

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has postponed its scheduled demolition drive in Majnu Ka Tila this weekend without providing immediate reasons. The residents, predominantly Pakistani Hindu refugees, were issued evacuation notices following orders from the National Green Tribunal and Delhi High Court. Temporary shelter is offered by DUSIB.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has decided not to proceed with the planned demolition drive in north Delhi's Majnu Ka Tila this weekend, sources reported.

No immediate reasons were given for canceling the drive, which was to occur on Saturday and Sunday.

Residents, mainly Pakistani Hindu refugees, had received notices late Thursday evening from the land-owning agency, asking them to vacate the area by Friday, citing compliance with orders from the National Green Tribunal and the Delhi High Court.

The notice indicated that due to encroachments on the Yamuna floodplain, a demolition drive was scheduled. However, affected families will be accommodated temporarily at Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) shelters.

The NGT had earlier criticized the DDA for not taking sufficient steps to remove the encroachments and ordered the agency to file a compliance report ahead of the next hearing on July 15. Notably, some residents of Majnu Ka Tila received Indian citizenship ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, under the Citizenship Amendment Act.