The Aam Aadmi Party started a signature campaign on Tuesday seeking legal protection for residents of 91 unauthorised colonies in Delhi's O-Zone area along the Yamuna River.
The Aam Aadmi Party launched a signature campaign on Tuesday demanding that the Centre enact a law to protect residents of unauthorised colonies in the O-Zone from demolition. AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj said party workers would collect signatures door-to-door in the 91 colonies across Burari, Timarpur, Karawal Nagar, Okhla and Badarpur before submitting them to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He alleged that demolitions continued daily in Jaitpur, Burari and Timarpur despite assurances from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Demolition drives took place on Tuesday in southeast Delhi areas including Pradhan Gardens, Pusta Road, Khadda Colony and Jaitpur Part-II. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi said it targeted only under-construction structures in line with a Delhi High Court order dated May 23. Residents including Santosh and Dilwara said officials gave little notice before razing homes, leaving families without time to remove belongings.
The High Court noted that the 91 colonies enjoy temporary protection until December 31 this year under the Delhi Special Provisions Act. Gupta had stated last week that the court's directions applied only to fresh construction. The MCD reported 230 demolitions and 242 properties sealed across Delhi since the start of recent inspections.
