Delhi Police to provide force to remove MCD encroachment in Shaheen Bagh area
Shaheen Bagh anti-encroachment drive: The anti-encroachment drives in the Shaheen Bagh area in the South Delhi district began on Monday morning with Delhi Police deploying a heavy contingent of cops to prevent any untoward incidents.
Even before the MCD officials reached the area with bulldozers to remove the structures constructed illegally, locals were seen carrying their belongings outside from shops and footpaths.
The bulldozer drive was earlier canceled by civic authorities due to an ‘inadequate’ police force. On April 28 too, a demolition drive scheduled in Jasola and Sarita Vihar was canceled due to the unavailability of an adequate police force.
Encroachment drives were planned in SDMC areas after Delhi BJP chief Adesh Gupta wrote to the party-ruled civic body’s mayor on April 20 to remove encroachment by “Rohingyas, Bangladeshis and anti-social elements”.
The North Delhi Municipal Corporation had come under fire from several civil rights groups and opposition parties after it bulldozed structures in the Jahangirpuri area in an anti-encroachment drive. It was stopped following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
The SDMC has prepared a 10-day action plan to remove encroachment from these areas, including Shaheen Bagh. On May 10, the drive is slated to be conducted near the Gurudwara Road near New Friends Colony. On May 11, it will be conducted in Mearchand Market, Lodhi Colony near Sai Baba Mandir and near JLN Metro station, civic officials said.
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