Over 300 Structures Demolished in Jangpura's Madrasi Camp to Clear Barapullah Drain🏗️
Civic Agencies Launch Major Demolition Drive Following Court Order🚧
On Sunday morning, civic authorities in New Delhi demolished more than 300 structures at the Madrasi Camp slum cluster in Jangpura, South Delhi. The drive aimed to clear the Barapullah drain ahead of the monsoon season, as mandated by a Delhi High Court order.
Heavy Police Presence Amid Protests🛑
Despite the operation being postponed twice and the rehabilitation of eligible residents, the demolition witnessed protests from slum dwellers. A task force comprising the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), supported by a heavy police contingent, initiated the drive at 7:30 AM.
Authorities Justify Action Based on Safety & Court Directives📋
District Magistrate Anil Banka, who supervised the action, stated, “The Barapullah drain had narrowed due to obstructions, causing flooding during heavy rain. We followed the Delhi High Court’s May 9 directive.” Out of the affected families, 189 were allotted flats in Narela, while 181 were found ineligible under the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015.
Delhi High Court Mandate⚖️
The court ordered the demolition of encroachments near the old Barapullah bridge and instructed civic agencies to organize camps (May 10–12) for handing over possession letters of Narela flats and processing loans worth ₹1.12 lakh for eligible residents.
Tamil Nadu Government Steps In🤝
With most residents being migrants from Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu government extended its support. Tamil Nadu House in Delhi has been directed to assist and oversee coordination. The state’s Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) announced that support will also be provided to those choosing to return to their native districts.
Residents Decry Loss, Uncertain Future😔
Long-term residents expressed deep anguish over the demolition and relocation. Kamala, 40, a domestic help, lamented, “We’ve lived here for over 30 years. Rents nearby are unaffordable.” She also claimed that belongings left in the Narela flat were stolen.
Balaji, in his 50s, added, “I’ve lived here all my life. What work will we find in Narela? I haven’t eaten in two days.”
AAP vs BJP: Political Blame Game Intensifies⚡
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) slammed the BJP-led Centre. Leader of Opposition Atishi posted on X (formerly Twitter), “BJP leaders had people fill out 'Jahan jhuggi, wahin makaan' forms. Now they’ve bulldozed the slums, with only a few getting houses in faraway Narela.”
BJP Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva defended the action, stating it was a court-mandated move initiated under the AAP government. He reiterated the BJP’s commitment to the 'jahan jhuggi, wahin makaan' policy but blamed the settlement for obstructing drain cleaning, leading to severe monsoon waterlogging.
Conclusion📍
The demolition at Madrasi Camp underscores the clash between urban infrastructure needs and humanitarian challenges. While authorities stress flood mitigation and court compliance, displaced residents continue to grapple with housing, employment, and stability.
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