Demolition, relocation done in compliance with HC orders: DDA

NEW DELHI: Amid the row over shifting of Kathputli Colony residents, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday said that it has complied with the Delhi High Court's orders and implemented them for shifting the residents to Transit Camp at Anand Parbat and Pocket G-7 and 8 in Narela.

The court, on Wednesday, had allowed the Authority to demolish the slums of residents of west Delhi's Kathputli Colony who were eligible for relocation and had moved out voluntarily.

"Accordingly, arrangements have been made by DDA to provide transportation to Transit Camp, Anand Parbat and Narela, ambulance for medical care and ample supply of food and drinking water at all the three sites," said DDA in its official statement on Thursday.

The agency also claimed that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal in this regard and appreciated the relief work being carried out by the Authority.

"The CM informed the LG to let the relief work happen at Kathputli Colony till the court hearing and the LG agreed. Tents, water, food, toilets etc. would be provided to the residents of the colony by the Delhi government as soon as possible and orders have been passed to the concerned officers for the same," claimed the Authority.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar had issued the direction on Wednesday, while modifying its order putting on hold the demolition of jhuggis in the area for two weeks.

The court modified its order on an application moved by DDA, which also sought permission to remove the rubble from the site.

The bench, while allowing DDA to demolish the slums of those who had voluntarily moved out or were moving out, said the demolition should not affect the homes of others living there.

Spread over an area of around 14 acres, Kathputli Colony houses a large number of puppeteers, magicians, singers and musicians.

It is the first slum in the city to be taken up by the DDA for in-situ redevelopment, with the help of a private developer, who in turn will get a substantial part of land for commercial use as part of the project.