Maintain status quo on demolition of slum near Yamuna, Delhi high court tells DDA

NEW DELHI: Delhi high court has directed the Delhi Development Authority to maintain status quo with regard to demolition of a slum on the banks of Yamuna and asked it to rehabilitate those it had displaced as winter was coming and they had nowhere else to go. The direction by Justice Rajiv Shakdher came on a plea moved by the residents of the slum, who alleged that the demolition commenced on October 9, without sending them a show-cause notice.
The court said if DDA was unable to rehabilitate the displaced people within 10 days from October 14, then it should allow them to set up temporary camps in the area.
The judge said the direction was being issued in view of the fast-approaching winter and the fact that the slum dwellers had nowhere else to go.
The court also issued notices to the Centre, Delhi government, DDA, Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and police, seeking their stand on the petition. The residents of the slum told the court that of the 2,000 dwelling units there, 500 were demolished.
The DDA, represented by advocate Kush Sharma, told the court that the action was taken subsequent to NGT direction to clear the Yamuna floodplain as it was an eco-sensitive zone. The court listed the matter for hearing on January 28.