The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) launched a large-scale demolition drive on Tuesday morning in South Delhi’s Kalkaji area, targeting over 1,200 illegal shanties built within the Bhoomihin Camp JJ cluster. Acting on a Delhi High Court order, DDA officials, accompanied by heavy police deployment and five bulldozers, began razing structures as early as 5 am. The encroachments reportedly included multi-storey illegal constructions on DDA-owned land, and the demolition operation is expected to continue into Wednesday for remaining unauthorized buildings.

Residents stated that the legal dispute over these structures had dragged on in court for almost 10 years. The Delhi High Court recently denied further relief to the squatters, allowing the DDA to proceed with its anti-encroachment plan. Officials said that while many families are being displaced, eligible residents have been offered relocation under the official rehabilitation policy. The demolition is part of a wider crackdown across Delhi, where the DDA is reclaiming encroached land to restore planned urban development.

Following the Kalkaji operation, the DDA is preparing for similar drives in other densely populated areas such as Batla House, Muradi Road, and Khizr Baba Colony. Red demolition markings have already appeared on homes in these areas, with eviction notices served as early as May 26. However, a temporary legal stay has been granted for Khizr Baba Colony, and the matter is scheduled for hearing in the Delhi High Court later today. The situation remains tense in these localities as residents await final verdicts.