The eight blocks of Dwarka Greens’ beige-and-white apartments have the same façade. Other than the floor area, the houses in the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) housing at Dwarka’s Sector 14, Pocket 5, have everything in common, including access to gig workers and domestic help. A gulmohar in full bloom redeems the standard-issue design: buildings with stilt parking, the blocks identified simply by the letters A to H. But somewhere between F and G towers stands a partially erected fence with rust-coloured chain-link wire mesh gate. The panels of the gate now lie flat on the ground. G and H towers house residents from Delhi’s economically weaker section (EWS), with an annual family income less than ₹10 lakh. Those who own houses in A to F towers are from the low- and middle-income groups (LIG and MIG), with one- and two-bedroom houses, respectively. The fence was meant to restrict access to common areas, say residents.
A general view of iron fencing by DDA officials at Dwarka Greens housing society, Sector 14, Dwarka in New Delhi. A set of metal fasteners embedded in the ground — this is the only visible trace of a dispute that started nearly two years ago and still continues to divide residents.
