Makeshift Mohalla clinics in North Delhi face ‘demolition’

Several makeshift mohalla clinics in north Delhi functioning out of porta-cabins on roadsides, face “demolition” as the area’s civic body has decided to remove such structures which have been built “without permission”.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain today reacted sharply over the issue and claimed that these are temporary structures and “did not need permission”.

The decision was taken during a high-power committee meeting of the BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) held last month. “MCD planning to demolish some Moh Clinics saying its their land. These r temp structures n don’t need permission,” the minister tweeted. He also attached with the tweet a photograph of the municipal circular released in this regard.

“During the meeting it was also pointed out that PWD, GNCTD has started erection/installation on footpaths/pavements in many areas...All such structures should not be allowed to be erected on footpaths/pavements without approval of the corporation,” the order reads. The area falls under the NDMC and its Mayor said, “no unauthorised structures will be allowed on pavements and roadsides.” 

“As a civic body, it is our duty to remove any illegal structure. If the government has put up porta-cabins for mohalla clinics without permission, we will certainly remove those. Illegal structures will not be permitted,” north Delhi Mayor Sanjeev Nayyar said. Mohalla Clinics scheme is one of the flagship projects of the AAP government and currently 105 such facilities have been set up in different areas of the national Capital, with most of these operating out of porta-cabins.