The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday demolished multiple structures, including 23 farmhouses in south Delhi, and cleared 83 acres of land as part of an anti-encroachment drive.
The urban body said the demolition drive was carried out to remove unauthorised construction within the Tilpath Valley Biodiversity Park boundary in Maidan Garhi village with assistance from the Delhi police and in the presence of forest officials.
In a statement, the DDA said demolition activities were undertaken across 13 land parcels (khasra numbers 580 – excluding 1,150 square yards due to a stay order – 581, 582, 583, 585, 587, 590, 591, 596, 606, 607, 608, and 610), recovering around 70% of the area within the biodiversity park.
The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of Western Avenue in the Sainik Farm claimed a property on khasra no. 613 was also targeted. However, the DDA denied this, saying no demolition was carried out on that plot.
RWA president Hardeep Singh Bhalla said the matter was sub judice as it is before the Delhi High Court, and a stay order was issued around 11 a.m. on Thursday. “By the time the order came, most of it had already been demolished,” Mr. Bhalla said
