The Delhi High Court has directed the removal of encroachments along the Barapullah drain, deeming it essential to prevent severe waterlogging during the monsoon season. The court has ordered the demolition of the Madrasi camp to begin on June 1 and has mandated the relocation of its residents to Narela.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora issued the directive while emphasizing that the clearance of the drain was critical for the city’s drainage system. “The demolition ought to be done in a systematic manner. Rehabilitation of the Madrasi camp dwellers is also essential for de-clogging of Barapullah Drain. None of the dwellers can claim any rights beyond the right of rehabilitation, as the land is public land which is encroached upon,” the bench stated.
In a detailed rehabilitation plan, the court instructed that authorities including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi government conduct two camps on May 19 and 20. One camp will facilitate the distribution of possession letters for flats at Narela, while the other will assist in loan processing with the involvement of bank officials.
The court also directed the DDA and DUSIB to ensure all necessary amenities, fixtures, and fittings are in place at the Narela flats by May 20. Following this, residents will have from May 20 to May 31 to shift their belongings. The demolition of the Madrasi camp will then commence on June 1.
The court made it clear that residents declining possession or loan facilities will forfeit any future opportunity for allotment at Narela or any other rehabilitation camp.
The decision came after the court considered petitions from several Madrasi camp residents seeking a stay on the demolition. The court noted that the issue had been under consideration for over ten months. It concluded that the illegal encroachment had severely obstructed the Barapullah drain, causing waterlogging and contributing to river pollution, especially during monsoons.
With this order, the court disposed of all pending applications related to the matter.
