MCD’s action against illegal construction continues in Delhi. In the recent operation, 14 properties were demolished and one sealed. Since June 1, 681 buildings have been demolished. At the same time, NGT has directed the Delhi government to remove encroachment from the forest land in Sadulajab within 4 months.
New Delhi [भारत]July 29 (ANI): The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) continues its crackdown against illegal construction in various parts of the city. This campaign was conducted to remove buildings and structures constructed without permission under the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.
During the recent action, MCD demolished 14 illegally built properties and sealed one property for violating building rules. The authorities also issued 16 show cause notices to property owners, asking them to explain why action should not be taken against them.
MCD’s action on illegal construction
From June 1, 2026, MCD is conducting regular drives across Delhi. So far, 681 unauthorized properties have been demolished and 398 properties have been sealed. Legal action has also been initiated against many people violating the rules.
MCD said that illegal construction is not only against the law, but it can also put people’s safety at risk. This may affect proper planning of the city and create problems for nearby residents. The corporation said it will continue to take action wherever such violations are found.
The civic body has requested people not to start any construction work without taking approval from the concerned department. It appealed to citizens to follow the rules and obtain all necessary permissions before starting any construction work.
NGT’s instructions to remove encroachment from forest land
On the other hand, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Delhi government to complete the removal of encroachment from forest land at Sadulajab, Saket within four months, as per law and following the principles of natural justice.
The tribunal disposed of the case after it was informed that the challenges to the demolition proceedings had been exhausted and the applications filed under the Indian Forest Act had already been rejected by the Forest Settlement Officer.
A bench comprising Chairman Justice Prakash Srivastava and expert member Dr Afroz Ahmed passed the direction while hearing an application filed by the Anti-Corruption Committee through its Secretary Vinay Kumar Walia, alleging that the forest land has been encroached upon by land mafias, about 50 per cent of the forest area has been wiped out, and illegal constructions have come up on the land.
The tribunal observed that a joint committee constituted in May 2024 found that the area available on land was much less than the area recorded in revenue records. The committee also reported reduction in tree density, encroachment through expansion of buildings, damaged boundary walls, permanent structures within the forest land, and accumulation of litter and plastic waste, which are adversely affecting the habitat of birds and squirrels.
During the hearing, the Delhi government’s counsel informed the tribunal that the demolition notice was earlier challenged before the Delhi High Court. The high court had directed the authorities to provide the demarcation report and allow the affected persons to take remedies before the Forest Settlement Officer under the Indian Forest Act.
It was also submitted that those applications have been rejected by orders dated May 7, 2026, thereby paving the way for removal of the encroachment. Recording this plea, the NGT directed the Delhi government to complete the process of removing the encroachment within four months strictly in accordance with law and following the principles of natural justice. The original application was disposed of accordingly. (ANI)
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