The Delhi Development Authority’s sudden halt to the Majnu ka Tila demolition has triggered a political dispute between AAP and BJP. The controversy, centered on Hindu refugees from Pakistan, sees AAP’s Saurabh Bharadwaj accusing DDA of unjustly targeting the vulnerable community.
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DELHI: On Thursday(7th March), the scheduled demolition operation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at Majnu ka Tila, a notable area in North Delhi, was unexpectedly halted. This pause in activity has sparked a heated exchange between two major political entities, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), each laying blame on the other amidst a backdrop of legal and environmental concerns.
The controversy centers around the fate of several Hindu refugees from Pakistan residing in the area, who have found themselves at the heart of a legal and political storm. During a press conference held on Thursday, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj of the AAP accused the DDA of unjustly targeting these vulnerable groups. He stated-
“DDA was targeting hundreds of Hindu refugees from Pakistan,”
highlighting the dire situation faced by these individuals.
In retaliation, the Delhi BJP condemned the AAP’s stance, accusing them of engaging in “dirty politics” over the judicial orders issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT’s involvement stems from environmental concerns, specifically the encroachments on the Yamuna floodplains which pose a significant risk to the river’s ecology.
The DDA, in a formal statement, clarified the legal backdrop of the situation:
“In relation to the demolition at Majnu Ka Tila, the region falls within the Yamuna floodplains. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), in its October 17, 2019 order, explicitly stated that occupying floodplains poses a risk to the river’s ecology. The NGT, in its January 29, 2024 order, has fined the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Rs. 25,000 for non-compliance. Notably, any eviction actions at the site have been temporarily deferred.”
Minister Bharadwaj further criticized the central government’s approach, urging an immediate retraction of the demolition order. He expressed his concern, saying-
“The consistent demolition of residences near Majnu ka Tilla has triggered protest within the Delhi Assembly. Residents are compelled to leave due to DDA’s notices aimed at dismantling slum settlements near the Gurudwara. Questions arise about the absence of legal opposition in both the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.”
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva highlighted the efforts made by his party to address the grievances of the affected refugees. He stated-
“As soon as the refugee leaders apprised BJP about the eviction notice, we took up the matter with LG and got the eviction stalled… Regrettably, AAP leaders never visited the refugees in the last nine years,”
pointing out the alleged neglect by the AAP towards the refugee community.
NGT directives-
DDA has issued evacuation notices to 160 Hindu refugee families in ‘Majnu ka Tila,’ citing NGT orders. The families are now in night shelters, and evacuation is pending police deployment, as per DDA officials.
Dayal Das, the head of the Hindu refugee community, stated-
“We spoke with MP Manoj Tiwari, and he has given assurance that Hindu refugees won’t face eviction. Over 750 people from 160 Pakistani refugee families reside here. Our children attend schools in this area. If we are forced to leave, how can we ensure education for our children?”
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This ongoing conflict between the AAP and BJP over the demolition drive at Majnu ka Tila not only underscores the complex interplay between politics, environmental law, and human rights but also casts a spotlight on the plight of the displaced populations caught in the crossfire. As the situation continues to evolve, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on this contentious issue, awaiting a resolution that balances ecological preservation with humanitarian concerns.
Background:
In 2012, a case about clearing illegal structures in ‘Majnu ka Teela’ in Delhi was filed. In 2015, the National Green Tribunal ordered their removal. On March 7 and 8, 2024, Delhi Development Authority started removing shanties on the western bank, housing Hindu refugees from Pakistan. These families, earning a living through small businesses, are facing challenges due to administrative obstacles. OpIndia reported that about 250 families are struggling to arrange evening meals. Most of these refugees are from the Sindh region of Pakistan.
