In a bold move against the rampant issue of unauthorized constructions, the Delhi Municipal Corporation has initiated a widespread crackdown on illegal structures across various regions in the city. The extensive operation has already seen the demolition of over 30 properties, with plans to address more than 700 illegal constructions in the coming weeks.
Key Highlights:
Targeted Areas: The crackdown spans multiple localities, including Mayapuri Phase 1, Ghazipur Dairy Farm, Zakir Nagar, Vishwakarma Colony, Abul Fazal Enclave, and Madanpur Khadar, among others.
Demolition and Sealing: The municipal corporation has demolished illegal structures in these areas, resulting in the sealing of over 30 properties. The focus is on removing structures violating building regulations and encroachments.
Plan of Action: The corporation has outlined a comprehensive plan to address a total of 700 illegal constructions within the next three weeks. Notably, 243 structures have already been dealt with, including those situated on private agricultural land.
Challenges and Public Response:
Audit Policy Critique: Affected residents are expressing concerns about the lack of a transparent audit policy for dealing with illegal constructions in Delhi. Many claim to have invested in plots sold by builders without being informed of any potential legal issues.
Long-Term Issue: The problem of illegal constructions has persisted for over two decades, highlighting the need for more robust audits and investigations to address the root causes.
Recent Operations:
Collaborative Effort: Municipal corporation teams, working in conjunction with the Delhi Police, have executed demolitions at more than 40 sites. Notably, unauthorized constructions on approximately 5400 yards of private agricultural land in Burari were removed, along with demolitions in Swaroop Nagar, Sabzi Mandi area, and Guru Ramdas locality.
Additional Areas Targeted: The crackdown extended to Kadipur Ward’s Swaroop Nagar and Malkaganj Ward’s Sabzi Mandi area, along with Laxmi Nagar’s Guru Ramdas locality.
The municipal corporation’s decisive actions have generated mixed reactions from the public. While applauding the efforts to curb illegal constructions, concerns persist about the lack of a systematic and fair approach to deal with such issues. The need for comprehensive audits and transparent policies is evident to prevent illegal constructions and safeguard the interests of legitimate homeowners and investors.
