A large-scale demolition drive carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) cleared structures across 32 ghats in the Yamuna Bazar area on Thursday morning, displacing hundreds of residents who had lived there for years. The operation was conducted under heavy police deployment to maintain order and prevent resistance during the exercise.
The action followed a series of eviction notices issued to 310 families living in the area since May 7. Officials stated that the notices provided residents with time to vacate the premises before the authorities moved in with demolition equipment and personnel to clear the site.
By Friday, a day after the drive, the ghats remained sealed off and inaccessible to the public, with barricades and security personnel stationed around the area to prevent entry.
Residents Left Homeless After Years of Living Along the Riverbank
The demolition has left many families struggling to cope with the sudden loss of their homes and possessions. Near the steps of the now-cleared ghats, displaced residents were seen sitting beside piles of furniture, household items, clothing, and other belongings accumulated over decades.
Some affected families have managed to move into rented accommodations or seek shelter with relatives, while others remain uncertain about where they will stay in the coming days. Several residents expressed concern over the lack of immediate rehabilitation arrangements and the challenges of rebuilding their lives.
For many families, the riverbank settlement had served as home for generations, making the displacement particularly difficult both emotionally and financially.
Authorities Cite Encroachment and Urban Development Concerns
Officials have maintained that the demolition drive was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and followed repeated notices to residents. The authorities argue that the removal of encroachments is necessary for urban planning, environmental management, and the protection of public land along the Yamuna riverfront.
The presence of a significant police force during the operation reflected concerns over possible protests or disruptions as the demolition progressed.
Questions Over Rehabilitation Continue
The demolition has reignited debates over the treatment of informal settlements and the rehabilitation of displaced communities in urban areas. Activists and residents have called for clearer resettlement measures and greater support for families affected by such drives.
As the Yamuna Bazar ghats remain closed and heavily guarded, uncertainty continues for hundreds of displaced residents who are now searching for stability after losing their homes and livelihood