Demolition Drive in Yamuna Bazar
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out a demolition drive in the Yamuna Bazar area on 25 June 2026, after issuing notices to residents living in unauthorized settlements on the protected Yamuna floodplain. The operation left hundreds of families staring into uncertainty as their homes were razed.
Impact on Families
According to the DDA, the drive targeted encroachments that violated environmental regulations and posed a threat to the river's ecosystem. Residents reported that they received eviction notices only days before the demolition, leaving little time to secure alternative housing. Local activist Ramesh Kumar said, "These families have lived here for decades, and now they have nowhere to go. The authorities provided no rehabilitation plan."
Legal and Environmental Context
The Yamuna floodplain is a protected zone under the Environment Protection Act, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has repeatedly ordered the removal of encroachments to restore the river's health. The DDA stated that the drive was in compliance with court orders. However, critics argue that the demolition was carried out without adequate notice or resettlement provisions.
Numbers and Aftermath
Approximately 1,500 families were affected by the demolition, according to community estimates. The DDA confirmed that 200 structures were removed during the operation. As of now, displaced families are seeking shelter with relatives or in temporary camps. The Delhi government has not announced any relief measures, prompting calls for intervention from the High Court.
