Authorities have launched a major demolition drive in northwest Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh area to remove alleged encroachments and unauthorized constructions standing on government-acquired land. The action comes after the Delhi High Court cleared the way for authorities to proceed with the road-widening project aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving access for emergency services.
The demolition operation is focused on land in Haiderpur village near Shalimar Bagh, where officials say several residential and commercial structures have been built on land acquired decades ago by the government. According to authorities, the encroachments have narrowed key roads in the area, affecting traffic movement and creating difficulties for ambulances, fire services and residents.
In an important ruling earlier this year, the Delhi High Court allowed the government and civic agencies to continue with the project after granting occupants time until May 30 to vacate the premises. The court observed that public infrastructure projects, particularly those linked to access to hospitals, schools and emergency services, should not be delayed further in the larger public interest.
Officials have argued that the road, which provides access to important facilities including hospitals in the area, is much narrower than planned under Delhi’s Master Plan. They maintain that widening the road is necessary to improve traffic flow and public safety.
Several residents and occupants, however, have opposed the demolition exercise, claiming that many families and businesses have existed in the area for decades. Some residents have argued that they were previously assured that their properties would not be demolished and have sought compensation or rehabilitation before any eviction takes place.
The issue of encroachments in Shalimar Bagh has also been linked to broader concerns regarding unauthorized commercial activities and illegal structures in the locality. Earlier reports highlighted encroachments around the historic Mughal-era Shalimar Bagh heritage zone, where authorities had already issued notices and carried out partial demolition actions.
With the court-imposed deadline now over, authorities are expected to continue clearing unauthorized structures as part of the road expansion project. Security personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order during the operation, while officials say the drive will proceed in phases based on administrative requirements and ground conditions.
