Bulldozer Drives Leave Thousands Homeless in Delhi
Delhi, the national capital, is no stranger to rapid urbanization and development. However, recent bulldozer drives have left thousands of residents homeless, sparking concerns about the authorities’ approach to urban development and the city’s slum rehabilitation policy. In a shocking display of disregard for the welfare of the poor, bulldozers have been razing thousands of homes across the city, displacing long-settled families without proper notice or rehabilitation.
The scenario is particularly disturbing as the affected residents possess valid documents, including rent receipts, electricity bills, and property deeds. Despite this, they were evicted overnight, often without warning, leaving them with no choice but to live on the streets or in makeshift shelters.
According to a recent report by The Probe, a prominent online news publication, the authorities have been using demolitions to clear land under the guise of development, ignoring the city’s slum rehabilitation policy. The report highlights the plight of residents in various areas, including Okhla, Trilokpuri, and Jahangirpuri, who have been affected by the bulldozer drives.
One such resident, Ramesh Kumar, who lives in Okhla, shared his harrowing experience with The Probe. “I have been living here for over 20 years. I have all the necessary documents, but the authorities just came and demolished my house overnight. I have nowhere to go now. My family and I are forced to live on the streets,” he said.
Another resident, Shanti Devi, from Trilokpuri, echoed similar sentiments. “I was given an eviction notice, but it was only for a few days. I didn’t have time to pack my belongings or make alternative arrangements. The bulldozers came, and my home was reduced to rubble. I am now forced to live in a makeshift shelter with my family,” she explained.
The Probe’s report highlights the appalling lack of rehabilitation facilities and support for the affected residents. Despite the city’s slum rehabilitation policy, which aims to provide alternative accommodation to slum dwellers, the authorities seem to be ignoring the policy altogether. The report quotes activists as saying that the government is using demolitions to clear land for private developers, who are then given the green light to build high-rise apartments and shopping complexes.
Activists have been vocal about the authorities’ approach, accusing them of prioritizing profit over people. “The government is erasing the poor from the map of Delhi. They are using demolitions as a tool to clear land for private developers, who are then given the green light to build luxury projects. This is a clear violation of the rights of the poor and marginalized,” said activist, Medha Patkar.
The Delhi government has been accused of using a divide-and-rule approach to silence the affected residents. “The government is trying to create a sense of fear among the residents by using private security personnel and police to evict them. They are also trying to divide the residents by pitting them against each other,” said another activist, Harsh Mander.
The affected residents have been left with no choice but to protest and demand justice. A group of residents from Okhla, who were evicted from their homes, have been staging a protest outside the Delhi Chief Minister’s residence, demanding rehabilitation and compensation.
As the bulldozer drives continue, it is essential that the authorities take immediate action to address the concerns of the affected residents. The city’s slum rehabilitation policy must be implemented in letter and spirit, and alternative accommodation and support must be provided to the affected families.
In conclusion, the recent bulldozer drives in Delhi have left thousands of residents homeless, sparking concerns about the authorities’ approach to urban development and the city’s slum rehabilitation policy. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns of the affected residents and ensure that their rights are protected.
News Source:
https://theprobe.in/public-interest/bulldozer-state-how-delhi-is-erasing-the-poor-from-the-map-9451303
