Delhi Government Demolishes Illegal Shrine to Widen Pitampura-Shalimar Bagh Road
On Tuesday, the Delhi government demolished an illegal shrine constructed on government land along the Pitampura-Shalimar Bagh road to facilitate an ongoing road-widening project. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the structure was located in the middle of the road, and its removal is intended to ease traffic congestion and ensure a smooth, obstruction-free route for commuters.
The demolition is part of a broader drive by the Delhi government against illegal encroachments and unauthorized constructions on public land. The CMO stated that the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward such structures, which often hinder crucial public infrastructure projects and impact road connectivity in the national capital.
This action aligns with a wider enforcement campaign across Delhi. Since June 1, authorities have demolished 94 illegally constructed buildings and sealed 114 others for violating building bylaws and safety norms.
The enforcement drive gained significant momentum following the June 3 fire tragedy in Malviya Nagar. Since that incident, authorities have demolished 63 buildings, with the highest single-day action occurring on June 3 when 22 structures were razed. Additionally, 97 buildings have been sealed during this period, including 79 properties on June 7 alone.
Joint operations involving the Revenue Department, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) are ongoing. Revenue Department officials have inspected 124 sites across Delhi's 13 districts to identify violations.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the government is taking strict action against unauthorized construction, encroachments, and fire safety violations. Gupta added that the administration is working to establish a long-term mechanism to prevent illegal activities. The government is also considering a third-party insurance framework for buildings and public-use establishments, where coverage would be linked to structural and safety compliance.
Additionally, the DDA has strengthened its enforcement on its own land. The authority has directed officials to identify buildings with major deviations from approved plans and initiate strict action. Architects found responsible for serious violations may face blacklisting, while Flying Squads and Quick Response Teams have been instructed to intensify enforcement in development and land-pooling areas.
