September 7, 2023
Delhi's poor bear the brunt of #G20-linked evictions.
Notably, nine land conflicts related to large-scale evictions have emerged across the capital city, impacting at least 50,000 people, as per the official sources.
With over 3000 eviction notices and 1600+ demolitions, a significant number of residents now find themselves homeless or facing imminent displacement.
Despite the legal requirement for prior notice and the provision of rehabilitation plans, eviction notices often coincided with the arrival of demolition teams, offering residents little recourse. #DelhiDemolitions
In six of these conflicts, central government agencies, notably the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), were responsible for the evictions. State government agencies were involved in the other three conflicts.
Justification? Beautifying the city, archaeological preservation, illegal encroachments, etc.
However, many of the affected communities have disputed these justifications, arguing that they have been evicted without due process and without being offered adequate rehabilitation.
While all nine conflicts went to the courts, three cases have been disposed of by the Delhi High Court. Some long-standing conflicts were reignited by sudden evictions in the past 2 years, leading to protests and arbitrary detentions by the police.
The beautification also resulted in over 50 houses being demolished near the Pragati Maidan venue in June 2023, and the people affected were primarily labourers at the #G20 venue itself.
Even when notices have been allegedly issued, jhuggi jhopri bastis have faced the brunt of excessive police force and lack of rehabilitation. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) indicates a focus on slum-dwelling or underdeveloped communities.
The situation underscores the state’s approach to development, dehumanising the vulnerable communities, and not ensuring adherence to due process in eviction and rehabilitation efforts. #DelhiEvictions #LandConflicts
For a detailed analysis on #Evictions in Delhi and the rest of India, read our latest report by @Anmolg_law
Read the full story on #DelhiEvictions by our researchers @mukta_jo
and @prudhvirr
in @Article14live