Eviction – Delhi Slum Residents Asked to Vacate Race Course Road by March 6
Eviction – Residents living in informal settlements along Race Course Road in Delhi have been instructed to vacate the area by March 6 following the allotment of alternative housing under a government rehabilitation plan.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued formal notices to families residing in Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp and DID Camp, directing them to shift to newly allotted flats in Savda Ghevra, located in northwest Delhi. Authorities have stated that failure to comply within the stipulated deadline could invite legal proceedings.
Rehabilitation Process and Allotment Details
According to officials, the three clusters are situated on government land. A joint survey was conducted in January 2024 in coordination with the Delhi Development Authority to assess the eligibility of residents for rehabilitation benefits under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board policy.
Following verification, the eligibility process was finalized and approved. Authorities confirmed that 717 flats have been allotted to qualified occupants in the Savda Ghevra DUSIB colony. Residents have been asked to take possession of their new homes and vacate the existing settlements before the March 6 deadline.
Officials involved in the exercise said many beneficiaries have expressed satisfaction with the relocation plan, noting that the newly provided units are permanent, concrete structures within Delhi. The government maintains that the move is intended to ensure better living conditions and access to essential services for the relocated families.
Government Land and Security Concerns
Sources familiar with the development indicated that the clearance drive forms part of a broader initiative to reclaim government land in central and high-security zones of the capital. Race Course Road is home to several important government establishments and official residences, making it a sensitive area from an administrative and security standpoint.
Authorities have periodically undertaken measures to remove unauthorized structures in and around the locality. Officials stressed that the current action follows established procedures and is linked to long-term urban planning objectives.
Previous Notices and Legal Proceedings
Residents had earlier received eviction notices dated October 29, 2025. Those notices informed them about the allotment of alternative accommodation and advised them to vacate their existing dwellings to facilitate relocation.
The issue also reached the Delhi High Court. In an order dated November 13, 2025, the court directed that due process be followed in implementing the relocation and eviction measures. Officials have said the present steps are being carried out in compliance with that directive.
Concerns Among Residents
While authorities describe the move as a structured rehabilitation effort, concerns remain among some residents regarding the impact of relocation on livelihoods and daily routines. Race Course Road’s central location offers proximity to workplaces and markets, and a shift to Savda Ghevra could alter commuting patterns for many families.
Community members are expected to approach local authorities and elected representatives to seek clarifications or assistance related to the transition. Civil society groups have also been monitoring the situation, particularly in relation to safeguards for vulnerable residents.
Officials, however, have reiterated that the rehabilitation policy is aimed at balancing urban development needs with housing rights. They have urged residents to cooperate with the relocation process and complete the formalities required to take possession of their new flats.
With the March 6 deadline approaching, the focus now remains on how smoothly the relocation unfolds and whether remaining concerns are addressed through dialogue between residents and authorities.