Demolition drive in south Delhi’s Madrasi Camp began on Sunday, following a Delhi High Court directive to remove encroachments along the Barapullah drain. The camp, located in Jangpura and home to many Tamil-origin families, was targeted for illegal constructions that obstruct drainage and pose civic hazards.
Heavy police deployment ensured smooth execution of the demolition drive, although many residents opposed the action. Authorities had initially scheduled the demolition for May 10 but postponed it to June 1 based on a High Court order emphasizing rehabilitation.
The Delhi High Court, in its May 9 ruling, ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to provide proper rehabilitation for eligible families before the demolition. The agencies were also instructed to equip the Narela flats—allocated for resettlement—with essential amenities by May 20.
A list published by the government on April 12 found only 189 out of around 370 families eligible for relocation. The court clarified that residents had no claim to public land but had the right to rehabilitation only.
As per the order, the residents were to vacate the premises by May 31, with demolition commencing from June 1.
