Delhi Development Authority bulldozers roll in, demolish shanties near Sarai Kale Khan

NEW DELHI: Surrounded by a few plastic crates filled with utensils and with a sewing machine supporting a cooler providing the only shade from the afternoon now, Kamini surveyed what was left of her home even as bulldozers brought by Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished the shanties — one by one.
Amid heavy police security, the land development agency carried out the drive in Sarai Kale Khan in south Delhi on Monday.As the bulldozers razed structures that ranged from hutments to tarpaulin-covered shanties with brick walls, many residents protested by shouting slogans; some just silently tried to salvage what was left of their household.
Radheshyam, a resident, clnaimed that his family was living in Gyaspur for around four decades. “How can DDA suddenly arrive with bulldozers and security, and throw us out of our houses? We did not receive any notice from DDA,” he said. “With my home gone, where would I take my family now?”
A DDA spokesperson said in the evening that as part of the demolition drive, 20-30 illegal constructions were cleared, and the drive was continuing. “This is in pursuance to the guideline of National Green Tribunal and commitment of DDA that the Yamuna floodplain should be free of encroachments,” he said.
Kamini’s biggest worry is not the loss of the shelter, but the education of her children. “I don’t know how we will manage and where my family will stay, but how would my children study in such a condition?” she rued. “I want my children to complete their studies and live in a proper house. The bulldozers have crushed not only our home, but also our dreams,” she said.
“More than 20 shanties were demolished, but nobody was given any notice in advance,” said Ashok Pandey, coordinator of Housing and Land Rights Network, a charitable trust. “The residents were not even provided enough time to take out their belongings,” he alleged.