In anti-encroachment drive at Pragati Maidan, 50 shanties razed

A senior government official claimed the drive was carried out by a Special Task Force as per directions of the Delhi High Court.

In February, the court stayed the demolition of the slum in question and sought the stand of the Centre and Delhi government authorities on the issue, but last month, it refused to interfere with the demolition of shanties near Pragati Maidan granting a month’s time to its occupants to vacate the land.

Justice Prathiba M Singh, who was hearing petitions by residents following a demolition notice issued earlier this year, said authorities may take action for demolition after May 31 and said the petitioners will be provided alternative accommodation in a shelter home.

The court had noted that the jhuggis, which were on the side of Bhairon Marg, were not part of a “notified cluster” by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and therefore, no rehabilitation can be directed.

It had also noted that the structures in question were also at a “considerable distance” from the recognised jhuggi cluster in the area.