In a deeply distressing development, nearly 100 homes were demolished by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Taimoor Nagar on Monday, following a Delhi High Court order citing the structures as “illegal encroachments.” The demolition drive left scores of families homeless and in shock,reported the Indian Express.
The court’s decision was delivered on Saturday, just days after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms caused flooding in the region. The court attributed the waterlogging to blocked drains allegedly caused by encroachments and upheld the DDA’s right to clear them.
The judgement followed complaints from residents of the nearby upscale Maharani Bagh area, who alleged that illegal constructions and garbage dumping along the drain were the primary reasons for repeated monsoon flooding.
In its defense, the DDA stated that prior notices had been served to residents asking them to vacate, but many families had refused to move, believing they had no alternative shelter. Fourteen petitions were subsequently filed to halt the demolitions, but the court rejected the plea.
While some residents of neighbouring areas justified the demolition citing drainage issues, those affected were seen silently watching as bulldozers reduced their homes to rubble—unsure of where to go or how to rebuild their lives.
The incident has sparked concerns about forced evictions, urban inequality, and the lack of rehabilitation measures for vulnerable communities affected by civic and environmental challenges.
