Okhla Demolition News: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is likely to carry out the demolition of alleged illegal properties in Okhla’s Batla House area on Tuesday, June 17. Former Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan on Sunday confirmed the demolition within a day or two.
The DDA was expected to carry out the demolition on Monday; however, the Delhi Police cited inadequate force, further delaying the drive.
Earlier last month, demolition notices were served to several houses on Muradi Road by the authorities after a Supreme Court directive on demolition in Khasra No. 279. On May 8, the top court ordered the DDA and Delhi government to demolish unauthorised structures spread over more than 4 bighas of public land in Khasra No. 279 in Okhla Village within three months in accordance with law. Following this, a notice was issued, asking people to vacate the houses in the area within 15 days. The move has left residents, many of whom have lived in the area for more than two decades, in a difficult situation.
Speaking on the Batla House demolition drive, former Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan said, “DCP, South East, Additional DCP, ACP and other DDA officials called a meeting of local and community leaders of Okhla. Amanatullah Khan, I and other RWA presidents attended the meet on Sunday. The DCP informed that on the order of the Supreme Court the demolition had to be carried out. He then requested for cooperation from our part as the situation was fragile. Officials clearly told us that a demolition will be carried out in 1-2 days.”
The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its order on pleas challenging notices issued for demolition of alleged illegal properties. The petitions were moved on behalf of Heena Parveen, Jinat Kausar, Rukhsana Begam and Nihal Fatima and others.
It was submitted that DDA has issued Generic notice, there is no clear demarcation of properties fall in Khasra Number 279. All properties are not illegal in this Khasra. On the other hand, standing counsel for DDA opposed the pleas.
In the matter of Nihal Fatima and others, the DDA submitted that there are no title documents. Documents were executed during the pendency and passing of order.
Which Areas Are Affected?
The disputed land measures 34 bighas and 8 biswas and is located between Muradi Road and Khalillulah Masjid in Batla House. The area is densely packed with residential buildings of up to five floors. Some of the oldest buildings in the area are reported to have been at the site for over 40 years.
Out of a land measuring 34 bighas and 8 biswas, 13 bighas and 14 biswas is vacant, 11 bighas and 11 biswas falls under the UP Irrigation Department jurisdiction. The remaining 9 bighas and 3 biswas is occupied and were at the centre of the dispute. Out of 9 bighas and 3 biswas, 5 bighas and 15 biswas is with the DDA while 3 bighas and 8 biswas is not in DDA’s possession.
3 bighas and 5 biswas of the DDA land is protected under the Centre’s PM-Uday scheme that offers recognition of property rights in unauthorised colonies, and the remaining 2 bighas and 10 biswas have to be demolished. For the land not in DDA possession, the court directed the state government to step in and free the encroachment.
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