A large-scale demolition drive commenced Saturday at Madrasi Camp, a slum settlement situated along the Barapullah drain in Southeast Delhi’s Jangpura area, following a directive from the Delhi High Court. The action aims to clear unauthorised constructions that authorities say have obstructed the 16-kilometre-long Barapullah drain, contributing to severe waterlogging in surrounding neighborhoods during monsoon seasons.
The demolition, carried out with a heavy presence of Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, targets over 300 slum structures. Madrasi Camp, established between 1968 and 1970, is home to around 370 families, many of whom are of Tamil Nadu origin.
Tensions ran high at the site, with residents voicing anger over what they allege is an unjust process and inadequate rehabilitation. While 215 families have been deemed eligible for relocation and offered EWS flats in Narela under the Prime Minister's ‘Jahan Jhuggi Waha Makaan’ scheme, others remain in limbo.
Initially, only 189 families were listed for relocation, but a revised survey by the Eligibility Determination Committee later added 26 more. However, several families report they still have not received allotment details, sparking confusion and unrest.
“What should I say? They have looted us. We have nothing left now. ‘Jahan Jhuggi Waha Makaan’ is a lie. They lie about allocating homes,” said one weeping resident as her home was demolished.
The demolition follows the Delhi High Court’s May 9 order, which came in response to a Public Interest Litigation filed after last year's monsoon floods in Nizamuddin East and Jangpura. The court held Madrasi Camp as an encroachment that obstructed the Barapullah drain and directed multiple agencies, including the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and the Public Works Department (PWD), to clear the area.
In September 2024, during the first wave of demolitions, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the BJP of initiating the evictions without adequate planning, while BJP leaders blamed AAP for poor implementation of rehabilitation policies. Both parties made appearances at the site ahead of the February Assembly elections, promising support.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has stepped in to assist affected residents. The Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi has been tasked with coordinating relief efforts. As per a press statement, the state government is offering support to residents who choose to return to Tamil Nadu, including livelihood assistance and coordination with local district administrations.
"As per the instructions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the 'Tamil Nadu House' in New Delhi has been tasked with actively facilitating and overseeing coordination efforts. Reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the welfare of persons of Tamil Nadu origin residing outside the State, the Government of Tamil Nadu is in active coordination with the residents of 'Madrasi Camp' to ensure that every possible support is extended to them without delay. As directed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the Government of Tamil Nadu shall assist the residents of 'Madrasi Camp' who choose to return to their native districts in Tamil Nadu. Comprehensive support, including assistance for livelihood and other essential needs, will be extended to them," the release read.
The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board reiterated that the demolition is being carried out in full compliance with the High Court’s order, and only after verifying eligibility for resettlement. However, with scores of families still without clear relocation paths, protests and scenes of despair continue to unfold at the site.
(With IANS inputs)