Delhi O-Zone: Rekha Gupta says existing homes in colonies and villages will not face demolition

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said no demolition action will be taken against existing constructions in O-Zone colonies and villages. In a Secretariat meeting with MPs, an MLA, and officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority, she sought clarity after Delhi High Court concerns focused on ongoing construction near Yamuna floodplains.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Tuesday that existing homes and buildings in the O-Zone would not face demolition. The assurance covered colonies and villages already built inside the zone. Gupta said confusion rose after signs warned of action linked to a court order. Gupta said the Delhi High Court concerns focused on fresh construction.

About 91 unauthorised colonies and around a dozen old villages fall inside the O-Zone area. Officials estimated the population at nearly 15 lakh people. The O-Zone is an eco-sensitive belt that includes the Yamuna river floodplains in Delhi. Residents reported worry after boards suggested demolition under the court direction.

O-Zone demolition and Delhi High Court orders

Gupta said the Delhi High Court did not comment on structures already completed. Gupta said the court raised issues about construction that was still underway. Gupta asked senior Delhi Development Authority DDA officials to clarify the scope of the order. Gupta said the DDA should respond as per what the court conveyed.

Public representatives reviewed the High Court orders and government records during the meeting. They said existing structures in these colonies and villages were not under threat. They said the directions required removal of only new or ongoing constructions. The point was repeated in the discussion, including that DDA had been informed accordingly.

O-Zone signs, resident fears and Delhi Development Authority action

Gupta directed DDA officials to change the wording on boards placed in the O-Zone area. Gupta said the updates should match the High Court observations. Gupta said residents should not face avoidable panic because of unclear signage. The concern about boards was raised as a key reason for rising anxiety in the area.

Gupta held the meeting at the Secretariat with senior officials and public representatives. The attendees included MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, and MLA Arvinder Singh Lovely. Senior officers from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi MCD and the DDA also took part. The group discussed enforcement and communication in the O-Zone.

O-Zone illegal construction and Yamuna floodplain protection

The public representatives said some elements were spreading fear in the colonies and villages. They said the same situation was being used to cover illegal construction by some people. The representatives asked for firm steps to protect the Yamuna floodplain from unlawful building. They also said they would accept a complete ban on new construction.

Gupta said Gupta would soon meet Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs ML Khattar on the issue. Gupta said the focus remained on stopping fresh construction in the eco-sensitive belt. Officials and representatives reiterated that already built structures would not be targeted. The discussions centred on enforcing the court position without alarming residents.

With inputs from PTI