New Delhi, May 31: The demolition drive in Haiderpur Shalimar Village, launched to clear encroachments for a major road widening project, has crossed the halfway mark, with authorities removing nearly 50 to 60 per cent of the targeted structures on the first day of the operation.
The development comes hours after authorities began action against encroachments in Shalimar Bagh following favourable orders from both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court, which cleared the way for the long-pending infrastructure project.
Providing an update on the operation, District Magistrate Shailendra Singh Parihar said the demolition exercise was progressing in a systematic manner with the participation of multiple government agencies.
“Today, we began the demolition process in Haiderpur Shalimar Village. We have removed approximately 50 to 60 per cent of the properties identified for action. Officials from all concerned departments, including the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Public Works Department (PWD), Delhi Police and other enforcement agencies, were present during the operation,” Parihar said.
He added that the administration would continue the exercise until all identified encroachments are removed.
“We have carried out the operation in a planned and systematic manner. The process will continue until it is fully completed,” he said.
According to officials, the demolition drive is aimed at removing structures obstructing the proposed 30-metre-wide road corridor under Delhi’s Master Plan. Authorities believe the widening project will significantly improve traffic flow and address chronic bottlenecks in the area.
Parihar said road widening work would commence immediately after the demolition process is completed.
“Once the encroachments are cleared, we will begin the road widening project without delay. The objective is to expand the road to 30 metres as envisaged under the approved development plan,” he said.
The administration has maintained that the land was acquired decades ago and that all legal procedures, including notices, hearings and court proceedings, were completed before the demolition drive was initiated.
Heavy security arrangements remained in place throughout the day, with Delhi Police and other security personnel deployed to ensure law and order during the operation.
Officials said the road widening project is expected to improve traffic movement, reduce congestion and help address recurring waterlogging issues in the area during the monsoon season.
The demolition drive is likely to continue over the coming days until all identified encroachments along the proposed corridor are cleared, paving the way for the next phase of infrastructure development in North-West Delhi.
