The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has demolished over 300 structures in the Govindpuri ‘Bhoomiheen’ camp as part of an in‑situ slum rehabilitation initiative. The move, conducted in the early hours with police supervision, targeted long-standing illegal homes built on DDA land spanning five acres.

Approximately 344 jhuggis were razed, most of which were vacant. Residents previously relocated under the rehabilitation scheme were moved to new flats in Kalkaji Extension, and those deemed ineligible had their stay petitions dismissed by the courts. This clearance removes encroachments that had stalled development plans for more than two years.

Despite spanning decades, only residents with proof of occupancy—such as listed names on voter rolls between 2012 and 2015—qualified for in-situ rehabilitation. Some 1,862 households deemed eligible have already been allotted flats under the scheme.

The cleared land is set to house around 4,500 former dwellers from nearby Navjeevan and Jawahar camps, reflecting the government’s aim to upgrade slum conditions while curbing further encroachment.

Although the heavy-handed operation has stirred controversy, officials maintain that the demolition adhered to existing rehabilitation policies. Temporary roadblocks were implemented during the operation, but no stay orders prevented the bulldozers from proceeding. The DDA asserts that the demolition paves the way for improved infrastructure and dignified housing through its in-situ rehabilitation efforts.