DDA warns of demolition, legal action against encroachers on its land

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday warned people against unauthorised occupation or encroachment of its land, saying violators could face demolition of illegal structures,34 recovery of damages and prosecution, including the registration of first information reports (FIRs), wherever warranted

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday warned people against unauthorised occupation or encroachment of its land, saying violators could face demolition of illegal structures,34 recovery of damages and prosecution, including the registration of first information reports (FIRs), wherever warranted.

DDA said enforcement action could also include recovery of damages or profits and prosecution under applicable legal provisions (HT)

In a public notice issued by its land management department, the authority said it had received information about individuals and entities unlawfully occupying or making illegal use of land vested in or owned by the DDA. It reiterated that all such land is government property under the Delhi Development Act, 1957, and that any unauthorised occupation, construction or use amounts to a violation of law.

“Any unauthorised occupation, encroachment, or illegal use of DDA land shall be liable to summary removal by DDA, without any further prior notice, at the sole risk, cost, and consequence of the encroacher,” the notice stated.

Besides demolishing unauthorised structures and clearing encroachments, the authority said it would recover the cost of such enforcement drives from violators as arrears of land revenue. It added that the public notice would serve as a standing notice to all unauthorised occupants of DDA land.

The authority said enforcement action could also include recovery of damages or profits and prosecution under applicable legal provisions, including the lodging of FIRs where required.

The DDA also urged people to exercise caution while dealing in property. It advised members of the public not to purchase, sell, transfer or advertise any property situated on DDA land without first verifying its legal status, title and ownership. Those already occupying DDA land without authorisation were asked to remove the encroachment immediately.

“Members of the public are hereby directed and advised to refrain from encroaching upon or occupying any DDA land without lawful authority,” the notice said.

The authority also encouraged citizens to report instances of unauthorised occupation or encroachment to the concerned DDA office, through the DDA-311 mobile application or via its grievance redressal mechanism.

The advisory comes as the DDA has stepped up efforts in recent months to reclaim public land from illegal occupation and unauthorised construction across the capital. Officials have maintained that protecting government land is critical to planned urban development and the implementation of housing, infrastructure and public utility projects. The authority has also been encouraging residents to use digital platforms, including the DDA-311 app, to report encroachments and civic violations for quicker enforcement.