Delhi Development Authority (DDA) with the assistance of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and intensive police skillful intervention, demolished a huge number of houses of hundreds of families along a 4.2 km stretch comprising of 32 ghats situated on the floodplain of Yamuna in Delhi.
The proposed operation aimed at the destruction of the settlements located between Ghat No. 2 and Ghat No. 32, after they received 16 eviction notices between May 7 and September 24, which were later escalated to seven.The intended operation was against the settlements situated between Ghat No. 2 and Ghat No. 32, after the receipt of 16 Eviction Notices between May 7 and September 24, raised to seven warnings. The removal of illegally constructed settlements was proposed with fresh notices on June 23 that warned residents to leave their homes, or face demolition.
The area lies in the so called “O” zone of the river Yamuna, which is protected as a flood plain and is under the control of DDA, the authorities, said the police. Very frequent flooding and environmental issues were cited as the main reasons for clearance of the settlements.
A few residents managed to move their possessions to a different place which they were renting for shelter before demolition, but many remained hoping for a reprieve. Families rushed to salvage doors, windows, and household goods, from their collapsed homes as earthmovers arrived.
The demolished ghats are closed as of 24 hours after the surgery – and access may be limited. Many of the families who have been displaced are now staying in temporary houses, while the remainder of families are sitting around the site with their belongings and not sure what will happen to them.
At exorbitant rents of approximately Rs 8,000 per month, the residents have noted that it has become extremely challenging for them to leave this place for other areas. Demolition has led to worries for rehabilitation, affordable housing, and the future well-being of homes for families that have been affected by the clearance initiative and have lost their homes and livelihoods.