Illegal structures demolished along Delhi's Taimoor Nagar drain following high court orders

NEW DELHI: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Municipal Corporation (MCD) on Monday carried out a drive to remove encroachments and demolish illegal structures on the banks of the Taimoor Nagar drain in southeast Delhi. According to sources, more than half a dozen bulldozers were pressed into action from 9am onwards.
The illegal encroachments, spanning over half a kilometre, have been obstructing the flow of sewage and leading to frequent waterlogging in the area. Despite several notices served by the administration, the residents did not pay any heed.

The matter eventually landed in Delhi High Court. On April 17, HC said a settlement next to a drain was ineligible for regularisation while examining a topographical survey and drain alignment plan presented by the Special Task Force (STF) chairperson. It found significant illegal occupations across the drain's width, attributing it to negligence by authorities, including DDA, Delhi govt, MCD and DJB. It instructed STF to commence drain construction work without delay.
On April 28, HC directed DDA to begin the demolition of the illegal structures from May. It also directed the authorities to expeditiously complete the work of desilting the drain and clearing the garbage.
An MCD official said the action was led by DDA. An official from DDA said that the demolition was carried out by the STF, as per high court's directions. During the drive, a large number of personnel drawn from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were deployed to control the situation, apart from DDA and municipality officials.
However, a few locals questioned the demolition drive, saying they had been living in the area for the past 40-50 years, and the notice was served a few days ago. They claimed that they did not have any place to shift and demanded that Delhi govt make arrangements for their rehabilitation.