Urban News

With the space cleared out, the conservation body now plans to go ahead with its plans to develop the area.

ASI officials said around 18 families occupied the terrace of Hazrat Nizamuddin ki Baoli, next to the Dargah. They were asked to vacate the plot.

Officials said the affected families have been provided alternate accommodation. The rehabilitation project was a long-standing plan of the ASI, which had announced it in April last year.

“The encroachment removal project was part of a planned and coordinated effort by us. With this we can conserve the Baoli and the surrounding area of the Dargah conveniently,” an ASI official said.

“ As the affected families had been provided alternative accommodation, many had started vacating the premises on their own.”

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture that is working towards an urban renewal project in the Nizamuddin Basti will rehabilitate the affected families and all charges for this will be borne by them.

The relocation process is being undertaken by the MCD.

Officials said that apprehending trouble, the police had been informed to take preventive measures and the area had been cordoned off before the commencement of the drive.

MCD to improve streets, toilet blocks
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi plans to improve streets and toilet blocks in the congested Hazrat Nizamuddin, which is expected to draw many visitors during the Commonwealth Games. The project involves upgrading lanes in the area, relaying of stormwater drains and improving community toilet complexes. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 10.67 crore and it is in consultation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

Almost half of the identified encroachments include religious places.

Confirming the development, GMADA Estate Officer Balbir Singh Dhol said action was initiated after receiving reports from the field staff on the unauthorised and illegal use of GMADA land across the city.

“No matter what type of structure it is, we are bound to remove all encroachments, which come to our notice,” averred Dhol, while dismissing allegations that the drive was aimed at religious places.

The estate officer said that the field staff was asked to identify encroachments in their respective areas and following the receipt of their reports, notices were issued to the defaulters.

Since December 2009 when I assumed charge of the office, I take certificates from the field staff every month that no new encroachment has surfaced in their area. In case of any fresh encroachment, the field staffer concerned is taken to task,” Dhol said. The action follows in the wake of increasing number of encroachments on government land and roadsides in almost all parts of the district.

In the absence of any strict action, green belts, vacant areas around houses and shops, road berms and even public passages have been encroached upon.