NEW DELHI: In the last month of the year, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its efforts to demolish illegal construction. While anti-encroachment drives have been carried out across the national capital, the main focus areas have been South, Narela, Shahdara and City SP zones.
As per data provided by MCD, between December 1 and 30, at least 111 illegal structures were demolished in different zones across the city. A total of 60 demolition drives were held. Shahdara North and South, followed by Narela and South witnessed maximum such drives.
In November, demolition drives could not be carried out because of the construction and demolition ban. However, in December, the areas identified in the previous month and this month both were covered.
“The field staff of MCD is paying special attention in taking action against illegal construction. The corporation has also filed prosecutions against builders carrying out illegal construction. We appeal to the people of Delhi not to fall into the trap of unscrupulous builders who cheat people in the name of cheap houses and plots,” said an official.
In South Delhi, MCD demolished illegal structures in areas of Aya Nagar, Bhati, Chhatarpur, Mehrauli, Neb Sarai, Green Park among others.
In the City SP zone, which pertains to areas mostly inside the Walled City, Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Inderlok and Majnu ka Tila were covered. During the anti-encroachment drives, the corporation removed shops, walls, and illegal structures. After the latest visit by LG VK Saxena, the corporation also carried out several encroachment removal drives on the main redeveloped road at Chandni Chowk this month.
In East Delhi, which has several unauthorised colonies, the corporation covered both Shahdara North and South zones. It demolished illegal plotting in Trilokpuri and also removed temporary encroachments by vendors on roads. According to officials, MCD, Delhi Development Authority and local police also jointly demolished the illegal plots created on agricultural land in Swaroop Nagar of Civil Lines this month.
In Narela zone, MCD stopped construction of illegal plots in Mundka, Bakhtawarpur, Alipur and adjoining areas. According to officials, these were mostly agricultural land.
Usually, as per the procedure, a joint special task force carries out such demolitions across the city. PWD is also part of the special task force, which has been created by the government to remove encroachments on roads and government land.