Special team to evict encroachers from Walled City before LG visit

The Shajahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) has decided to form a ‘Joint Encroachment Prevention Team’ for removal of squatters and prevention of unauthorised occupation in the area.

A senior official of the Delhi government said directions have been issued in this regard and deputy commissioner (DC ) of city zone in North Delhi Municipal Corporation and deputy commissioners of police (traffic and north district) have been entrusted with the task.

“The decision to clear encroachments was taken in the meeting of nodal officers of all stakeholders recently. The proposed team will be accountable for removal and prevention of encroachments. Temporary encroachments will be removed first. A supervisory officer will be appointed to fix responsibility,” the official said.

Encroachment has been a major issue in the area as both carriageway in main Chandni Chowk market, Subhash Marg from Lal Quila to Delhi Gate, and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg in front of old Delhi Railway Station have virtually been taken over by the squatters and hawkers. The encroachments force pedestrians to walk on the road. At some locations, the vendors squat on the road, which leads to traffic congestion.

“DC (city zone) has also been asked to provide a list of repeat offenders or encroachers to Joint Commissioner and DCP (north) of Delhi Police so that an appropriate action can be taken against them,” the official said.

An official, who attended the meeting, said the team is likely to be set up before the court hearing, which is August 3.

“It has also been resolved that a team of Delhi Traffic police will patrol in Chandni Chowk regularly to enforce the court direction banning loading or unloading of goods between 11am and 8pm,” he said.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal is likely to visit the area on Saturday to examine the prevailing chaos.