Bulldozers Demolish Illegal Slums in Delhi’s Jangpura, Police Deployed Amid Chaos

Delhi: Delhi’s Jangpura descended into chaos as bulldozers razed hundreds of illegal slum dwellings, leaving families displaced and the area gripped by panic. Backed by a heavy police presence, the demolition has ignited debates over urban development and human rights.

A Sudden Crackdown

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), acting on Delhi High Court orders, launched a demolition drive targeting unauthorized structures in Jangpura’s Madrasi Camp. Over 400 makeshift homes, built near railway tracks and drainage channels, were reduced to rubble within hours. Residents, many of whom are daily-wage laborers, watched helplessly as their belongings were buried under debris. “We’ve lived here for decades; where do we go now?” cried Shanti Devi, a mother of three. The operation, aimed at clearing public land, caught many off-guard, with claims of inadequate prior notice.

Heavy Police Presence

To prevent protests and maintain order, authorities deployed over 500 police personnel, equipped with riot gear, around the demolition site. Barricades sealed off access roads, and drones monitored the area, creating an atmosphere of fear. Minor scuffles broke out as some residents attempted to salvage possessions, but police quickly dispersed crowds. While officials insist the deployment was necessary to avoid violence, locals described the heavy-handed approach as intimidating, accusing authorities of prioritizing force over empathy.

Relocation Woes

The DDA has promised alternative housing in areas like Narela and Bawana, but residents report that allotted flats lack basic amenities like water and electricity. Many fear the distant locations will disrupt their livelihoods, tied to Jangpura’s proximity to markets and construction sites. Activists have criticized the government for failing to provide a humane rehabilitation plan, calling the demolitions a blow to Delhi’s marginalized communities.