‘How can they wake up one day, ask us to leave?’: Palika Dham complex in Delhi declared unsafe, residents told to vacate

In a notice issued on July 11, residents were directed to register their names and details on the NDMC’s e-Awas Portal between July 14 and 16 to apply for alternative housing. Verification of these applications was to be completed by July 17.

“Failure to do so will result in non-allotment of alternative accommodation at new locations… the existing quarters will have to be vacated compulsorily,” the notice further read.

The announcement has left residents divided — all of whom are government employees, both retired and currently serving.

Pointing to a broken window in her flat from the road, Roshni, an employee with the NDMC’s health department, said, “They are asking us to vacate for a valid reason. What if an accident takes place? Who will be responsible?”

She said that a month ago, her sister-in-law suffered injuries to her back after plaster from the ceiling at her home fell on her. “Moving and shifting the children to other schools will be a hassle, but it is better than living with a daily risk.”

She added that the water tankers located above the homes have caused seepage and weakened the ceilings.

Since the 1970s, the complex has been home to more than a hundred government employees, said residents. It also includes a gym, a temple, and a baraat ghar (wedding hall).

Another employee with the health department, who was bringing his two children back from school on a two-wheeler, agreed that the apartments are in bad shape. “I hope they allot a place nearby. But even if it is a little far from the school, I will drop my children.”

However, President of the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), Raju Dhakolia, said the solution is not to evict residents.

“Ever since the buildings were constructed in the 1970s, no repairs have been undertaken. Suddenly, 150 flats need to be emptied. How can they wake up one fine day and ask us to move out, declaring our homes unsafe?” said Dhakolia, a retired NDMC electricity department employee.

The RWA has submitted a letter to the New Delhi Assembly constituency MLA, Parvesh Sahib Singh, requesting him to solve the problems faced by residents. Their concerns include broken handpumps, lack of security guards, overgrown trees, and leakage in water pipelines.

When contacted, NDMC officials said these houses are brick masonry structures constructed in 1974.

“The NDMC places highest priority on the safety and welfare of its employees. After a detailed structural assessment, the Palika Dham flats, which are more than 50 years old and have outlived their lifespan, were declared unsafe for habitation. The safety of residents cannot be compromised under any circumstances. However, regular maintenance of these flats was being carried out by the council,” an official said.

The official added that the civic body has taken proactive steps to ensure that affected residents are offered new, suitable and more spacious alternative accommodations.