DDA writes to govt clarifying demolition drive in Mehrauli

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has replied to the Delhi government that demolition of <g data-gr-id="24">jhuggies</g> in Mehrauli area was carried out in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order which had directed for clearance of all the encroachments from the ridge area. The DDA, through a letter, has informed that the drive was initiated carefully. The authority also said that the death of a child did not occur due to their drive which was conducted on August 26.

It has also been clarified that various persons have been encroaching government land which is part of the South Central Ridge and that there were several complaints from the local RWA regarding the matter. 

The dwelling units, that were removed from the DDA land, which is a part of the protected ridge, were not protected under the provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Act, 2014. Besides, the DDA is the custodian of government lands and is duty-bound to protect these lands.

It has also been stated that in April this year the High Court had ordered that the DDA should ensure that the entire area covered by the Mehrauli Archaeological Park is secured and is free from encroachments.  It had further directed for demarcation of the archaeological park.

The DDA has stated that the <g data-gr-id="18">Samshi</g> Talab is a centrally protected structure of the ASI. As per the 

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological <g data-gr-id="31">Site</g> and Remains Act, the areas within 100m of such protected structures are prohibited areas and up to 300m are regulated areas and the area from which the <g data-gr-id="19">jhuggies</g> were removed falls within the prohibited area.