Demolition Drive in Majnu Ka Tila Deferred Amid Residents' Uncertainty

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has delayed its demolition drive on the Yamuna flood plain near Majnu Ka Tila gurdwara. While a similar operation was conducted at Khyber Pass, residents expressed concerns over their uncertain future. The notice was influenced by orders from the National Green Tribunal and the Delhi High Court.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has postponed the planned demolition drive on the Yamuna flood plain near Majnu Ka Tila gurdwara, as sources revealed on Saturday.

A senior police officer confirmed that a demolition drive targeted illegal encroachments at Khyber Pass near Civil Lines on the same day. Temporary structures built illegally on land managed by the Land and Development Office were dismantled, according to police.

Residents like Sunita, who has lived in Khyber Pass for decades, are concerned about their future. 'We have no other place to go. We need a house,' she said. Others echoed the sentiment, highlighting the disruption caused to their children's education.

The DDA had issued a public notice indicating the demolition would occur on July 13 and 14, following an order from the National Green Tribunal and the Delhi High Court.

Residents in Majnu Ka Tila, which includes many Pakistani Hindus, were given notices late Thursday evening to vacate by Friday. The affected families were advised to seek temporary shelter with the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB).

The National Green Tribunal had criticized the DDA for not taking effective steps in removing the encroachments, and ordered a compliance report before July 15.

(With inputs from agencies.)