MCD begins demolition drive in south Delhi

South Delhi residents who had built illegally taking advantage of the model code of conduct ahead of the civic elections were in for a rude shock on Friday when squads from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolished 16 structures.

South Delhi residents who had built illegally taking advantage of the model code of conduct ahead of the civic elections were in for a rude shock on Friday when squads from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi demolished 16 structures.

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While two buildings were sealed in Begumpur, illegal portions of 14 buildings were demolished in Chirag Dilli, Paryavaran Complex, Freedom Fighters Colony, Begumpur and Anand Niketan. The squads completely demolished two floors of some of the buildings as they had been constructed without following procedures.

“A lot of people had carried out construction in their homes illegally taking advantage of the MCD elections. Our staff too was busy in making preparation for the elections and couldn't demolish them,” a senior MCD official said. “The demolition drive will continue next week,” he warned.

The civic agency left the floors and properties in such a condition that they cannot be used again. “After the elections, there is pressure from some politicians not to demolish properties but we are going ahead with it,” added the official.

In Chirag Delhi, two floors each of five buildings were completely demolished while in Paryavaran Complex, three floors of a building were demolished. In Sainik Farm, an entire building was razed as it has been constructed illegally. The zone had constituted several teams to ensure maximum number of properties were targeted.

According to the civic agency, the demolition drive will be intensified in the next few days.