DDA Demolishes 32 Yamuna Bazar Ghats Displacing 310 Families
On Thursday morning, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), supported by a heavy police force, demolished 32 ghats and settlements in the Yamuna Bazar area, located near Chandni Chowk. The demolition drive targeted illegal settlements on the Yamuna floodplain between Ghat No. 2 and 32, displacing 310 local families who had been served eviction notices since May 7.
Authorities identified the stretch as part of the Yamuna's O-Zone, a protected no-construction floodplain under the DDA's jurisdiction, citing recurring flood risk as the primary reason for eviction. Fresh notices served on June 23 warned residents that the settlements were illegal encroachments and demanded they vacate the area.
During the drive, earthmovers dismantled structures as residents scrambled to move their belongings, including doors and windows, to safety. Following the demolition, the ghats were cordoned off, leaving families sitting near the steps with their belongings in the heat.
The displaced families lost access to water and electricity, pushing them into financial distress. Ashish Upadhaya, a labourer who works in Chandni Chowk, questioned why the government allowed the settlements if they were illegal, noting that residents held official documentation, electricity connections, and water pipelines.
Upadhaya stated that alternative rented rooms priced at Rs 7,000 to Rs 8,000 are beyond his budget, and he declined to move his young children into government-mandated shelters (Rain Baseras) due to safety concerns. He added that the distance to his workplace in Chandni Chowk would increase if he relocated.
Other residents shared their anxieties. Rajkumari Yadav, a flower vendor, expressed worry over losing her livelihood on the riverbanks. Neetu Kumari, a resident of 20 years, said families are surviving on packaged food and bottled water. Jyoti Yadav noted that the lack of water and electricity has made basic sanitation difficult, as the nearby government toilet remains overcrowded.
