DDA Demolishes Homes in Yamuna Bazar Displacing 310 Families

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday carried out a demolition drive in the Yamuna Bazar area of Delhi, displacing 310 families to reclaim illegally occupied floodplain land. Supported by a heavy police deployment, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) used earth movers to clear structures spread across 32 ghats of the Yamuna River from early morning.

The demolition followed an order issued on May 7 by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which directed the DDA to reclaim the floodplain land to mitigate monsoon flooding risks. The DDMA had warned that the DDA would be held responsible for any future loss of life, property, or cattle if the encroachments remained. The order gave the 310 families 15 days to voluntarily vacate the area.

During the drive, authorities disconnected electricity to the area early in the morning. While some families had already moved their belongings to rented accommodations in nearby areas, many others were caught unprepared and had to scramble to salvage their possessions from the rubble.

Fifty-three-year-old resident Rani Yadav shared her distress as she tried to save her remaining household items. She noted that her electricity was disconnected early in the morning, and though she had heard rumors of the demolition the night before, she had hoped it would be another false alarm.

Affected residents expressed deep uncertainty about their future, pointing out a lack of alternative housing. Nishi Devi, a resident with school-aged children, questioned why the government did not provide alternative accommodations as they normally do during slum demolitions, noting that the action had uprooted a way of life that had sustained generations.

Another resident, Santosh, whose family has conducted funeral rites at the ghats for generations, lamented the destruction of a small structure used for rituals. He stated that they do not know if they will be allowed to return to continue their work.