Here’s Why a Demolition Drive Took Place in Madrasi Camp in Delhi’s Jangpura

New Delhi, June 1: A demolition drive is currently underway in the Jangpura area of New Delhi, targeting shanties in the Madrasi Camp situated along the Barapullah drain. The action comes in compliance with a Delhi High Court directive to clear illegal encroachments obstructing the drain, which authorities say is a key cause of severe waterlogging during the monsoon season.

Out of the 370 unauthorized structures marked for demolition, 189 residents have been relocated to government-provided housing in Narela, North Delhi. However, the remaining 181 families are now homeless and protesting the eviction, invoking the BJP’s prominent slogan from the last Delhi Assembly elections — "Jahan Juggi, Wahan Makaan" (Where there is a slum, there will be a home) — to remind the government of its promises to slum dwellers.

A heavy police deployment, including riot control vehicles and personnel from the Rapid Action Force, has been stationed around the area to manage the situation as demolition activities proceed.

In its order dated May 9, the Delhi High Court emphasized that the rehabilitation of Madrasi Camp dwellers was necessary to decongest the 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 court observed. The court directed the residents to vacate the premises between May 20 and 31, following which demolition was to begin from June 1, media reports said.

The over 60-year-old jhuggi cluster is home to more than 400 working-class families. While 189 have been shifted, many others say they have been left out of the rehabilitation process due to bureaucratic lapses or pending documentation.

South East District Magistrate Anil Banka stated that the action is being taken strictly in accordance with the court’s orders. “The Barapullah drain had narrowed significantly due to these encroachments, making it difficult to clean and leading to frequent flooding during heavy rains,” he told reporters. “Eligible families have been allotted flats in Narela.”

He also confirmed that eviction notices had been issued prior to the operation. “Notices regarding encroachments were already sent, and so far, 370 illegal structures have been demolished,” Banka said.

While officials maintain that the operation is essential for flood prevention and urban upkeep, displaced families now face an uncertain future, highlighting long-standing concerns over the adequacy of resettlement efforts in Delhi’s redevelopment drives.


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