New Delhi: Children and residents of Vasant Kunj staged a protest on Sunday against the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), opposing its proposed plan to construct shops inside the locality’s only park.
The demonstration was led by children from Narmada and Saraswati Apartments, who gathered inside the park holding placards and the national flag, raising slogans against what they termed as the “destruction of their only play space.”
Residents alleged that the DDA’s move would deprive children of their fundamental right to play and adversely impact the neighbourhood’s green cover. The Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) president stated that the park is the only recreational space available for children in the area.
“Constructing shops here will permanently take away children’s freedom to play and socialise. Multiple complaints have been submitted earlier, but there has been no response from the authorities,” the RWA representative said.
#WATCH : Children along with Parents of Saraswati and Narmada society, Vasant Kunj, Delhi protesting against #DDA for possible cutting down of parks for making shops within the society's premises. At a time when AQI is reaching ATH.
— Dhruv Sharma (@advdhruvsharma) January 26, 2026
📍 Sector D, Pocket 6 , Vasant kunj , Delhi. pic.twitter.com/7TYAS3wUJI
Parents accompanying the children expressed concern that commercialisation of the park would not only reduce open space but also pose safety and environmental risks.
The protesters demanded that the DDA immediately halt the proposed construction and engage with residents before taking any further decision. As of now, there has been no official response from the DDA regarding the objections raised by residents and children.
