DDA demolitions in Yamuna Bazaar target Yamuna floodplain O-Zone encroachments

The Delhi Development Authority carried out demolitions in the Yamuna Bazaar area, citing National Green Tribunal directions to clear encroachments from the Yamuna floodplain O-Zone, a protected no-construction area under DDA management. Residents were seen leaving with salvaged belongings, while some alleged restrictions on transport access and expressed uncertainty about relocation, including night shelters.

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished several structures on Thursday in the Yamuna Bazar area. Officials said the site falls in the Yamuna floodplain and is marked as an O-Zone. This zone is treated as a protected no-construction area. The floodplain land is managed by the DDA.

A public notice dated June 23 told residents at Yamuna Bazaar Ghat No 2 to 32 to clear the area. The notice cited directions from the National Green Tribunal. It said the Yamuna floodplain under DDA control must be cleared of all encroachments. The deadline mentioned by locals was June 25.

Yamuna floodplain O-Zone demolition and residents’ claims

As demolitions continued, families carried out whatever items they could save. Many appeared unsure about where they would go next. Some residents alleged that officials blocked trucks and tempos from entering. They said this made it harder to move furniture and other goods out of the area.

Nagendra Mishra, a light technician in his 40s, said the family has lived there for nearly two decades. Mishra works near Kashmere Gate. Mishra said the family does not want to move into a shelter home. "I have a family of eight. They have asked us to shift to different night shelters. Those facilities are not safe for us. Our daughters dont feel safe there,\" Mishra said.

Yamuna floodplain O-Zone demolition impact on boat workers

Nishadraj, who runs a boat near Ghat No 9, said the demolitions hit families tied to river work. Nishadraj ferries people and pilgrims across the Yamuna. Nishadraj also brings families for ash immersion rituals. \"Two days ago, officials came and told us that everything must be removed by June 25. We had seen it coming,\" he said.

Nishadraj questioned what comes next for displaced workers. \"Where do we go now?\" he asked, while looking at the Yamuna. Nishadraj said around 100 families were affected. Nishadraj added that eight or nine families have relied on the river for generations. Many depend on ferry services and religious rites.

Residents were told to shift to nearby shelter homes after the action. Several people left with packed belongings as the work went on. There was no official response from DDA on the demolition. The area remains classified as part of the O-Zone floodplain under DDA management.

With inputs from PTI