Infrastructure – DDA Clears Illegal Structures During Yamuna Floodplain Demolition Operation
Infrastructure – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) carried out a large-scale demolition operation on Thursday in the Yamuna Bazar area near Nigam Bodh Ghat, removing structures identified as unauthorised constructions on protected floodplain land. Security personnel were deployed in significant numbers to maintain law and order while excavators demolished the targeted buildings.
Demolition Conducted Under Floodplain Protection Initiative
The operation forms part of an ongoing effort by Delhi authorities to remove encroachments from the Yamuna floodplain, an ecologically sensitive region classified as Zone-O. Officials have maintained that restricting illegal occupation of the area is necessary to improve flood preparedness and protect both residents and public infrastructure from seasonal flooding.
Heavy police deployment was visible throughout the exercise to ensure that the demolition proceeded without disruption. The clearance drive focused on structures that authorities had earlier identified as occupying government land under the jurisdiction of the DDA.
Earlier Eviction Notices Issued to Residents
The demolition follows eviction notices served by the Delhi administration on May 8 to families residing near the Yamuna floodplain in Old Delhi. The notices were issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, citing concerns over recurring flood risks and public safety.
According to the office of the Additional District Magistrate of Old Delhi, nearly 310 residential units in the Yamuna Bazar locality were found to be unauthorised encroachments on DDA-owned land. Residents were instructed to vacate the premises within 15 days and remove their belongings voluntarily before enforcement action was taken.
Authorities explained that the area experiences flooding almost every year whenever the Yamuna River rises above safe levels, posing serious risks to human life, livestock and property. Officials said clearing the floodplain is intended to reduce these recurring hazards while preserving the river’s natural drainage capacity.
Government Advances Long-Term Flood Protection Plan
Alongside the clearance campaign, the Delhi government has also moved forward with a broader strategy aimed at reducing the impact of monsoon flooding in vulnerable parts of the capital.
Earlier in May, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced approval for the construction of a 4.72-kilometre flood protection wall stretching from Majnu Ka Tila to the Old Railway Bridge. The project has been planned with the objective of completing the work before the arrival of the next monsoon season.
The government has described the project as a long-term engineering solution designed to minimise flood-related damage rather than depending on temporary arrangements each year. The proposal was formally cleared as part of the state budget.
Wall Expected to Protect Flood-Prone Neighbourhoods
Once completed, the proposed flood barrier is expected to help prevent Yamuna waters from overflowing into nearby residential areas during periods of high river levels. Officials believe the infrastructure will strengthen flood protection for neighbourhoods that have repeatedly faced waterlogging and flood damage.
Areas expected to benefit from the project include Civil Lines, Kashmere Gate, Yamuna Bazaar and Majnu Ka Tila, all of which have experienced significant disruption during previous floods. The combined approach of removing encroachments from the floodplain and strengthening protective infrastructure is intended to improve the city’s resilience against future monsoon-related challenges.