DDA Demolishes Homes of 310 Families in Yamuna Bazar Floodplain Drive
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday morning carried out a major demolition drive in the Yamuna Bazar area of Delhi, dismantling residential structures across 32 ghats of the Yamuna river to reclaim floodplain land and mitigate monsoon flooding risks. Backed by heavy police deployment, the action displaced 310 families who had been served eviction notices since May 7.
During the drive, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) deployed earth movers from early morning to remove the structures. Electricity to the area was disconnected early in the morning, forcing residents to scramble to salvage their belongings from the rubble as the demolitions progressed. While some families had already shifted their possessions to rented accommodation in nearby areas, many others remained until the last minute, hoping for a reprieve.
The demolition follows a directive issued by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on May 7. The DDMA ordered the eviction of the 310 families from the floodplain land and gave them 15 days to remove their belongings. In its order, the DDMA held the DDA responsible for any future loss of life, property, or cattle caused by monsoon flooding if the encroachments were not removed. In the days leading up to Thursday, the DDA had issued fresh notices warning residents to vacate voluntarily.
Residents affected by the drive expressed deep uncertainty and distress over their sudden displacement. Rani Yadav, a 53-year-old resident, said she had heard rumors of the demolition the night before but hoped it would be a false alarm. She was left trying to remove mattresses and household containers as the drive began.
Other residents highlighted the lack of alternative housing. Nishi Devi questioned why the government did not provide alternative accommodation, pointing out that school admissions for their children had already started. She noted that the action uprooted a way of life that had sustained generations of people whose livelihoods revolved around the river.
Santosh, another resident whose family has conducted funeral rites at the ghats for generations, stated that even a small structure used to store items for rituals had been demolished, leaving them unsure if they would be allowed to return to continue their work.
