In a major anti-encroachment operation, around two acres of defence land near Terminal 1D of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were cleared on Friday, 23 May. The action, led by the Defence Estates Office (Delhi Circle), marked the second such drive in the area within a fortnight, according to The Indian Express.

Last week, one acre of defence land at Mehram Nagar in Delhi Cantonment was also cleared of illegal parking and unauthorised structures.

Officials confirmed that the land had been illegally occupied for years and that the operation was part of a broader initiative to reclaim prime defence land for national use.

“Safeguarding defence land is not just about preserving territory—it is about upholding national security. Encroachments are silent threats, and action will continue. The reclaimed land will be used in the national interest,” said Varun Kalia, Defence Estates Officer, Delhi Circle.

The operation was conducted in coordination with the Delhi Cantonment Board, local military authorities, and Delhi Police. It included the removal of unauthorised parking zones, impoundment of numerous vehicles, and demolition of several slums and illegal animal shelters.

The cleared land, currently valued at approximately Rs 1 billion, is expected to be repurposed for defence and military infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for space.

The Ministry of Defence is India’s largest land-owning government body, overseeing over 1.75 million acres. Officials reaffirmed that protecting these assets is critical for ensuring the strategic and operational preparedness of India’s armed forces.