Delhi HC Orders Demolition of Madrasi Camp from June 1, Stresses Urgent Barapullah Drain Clearance Ahead of Monsoon

Relocation of Residents to Narela to Begin May 20; Rehabilitation Camps Scheduled​

New Delhi, May 12 – The Delhi High Court has mandated the demolition of the Madrasi camp starting June 1 to facilitate urgent clearance of the Barapullah drain, aiming to avert severe waterlogging during the upcoming monsoon season.

In an order passed on May 9, a bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Manmeet PS Arora emphasized that demolition must be conducted systematically and in tandem with the rehabilitation of residents encroaching on public land.

“Rehabilitation of the Madrasi camp dwellers is essential for de-clogging of Barapullah Drain. None of the dwellers can claim any rights beyond the right of rehabilitation, as the land is public land which is encroached upon,” the court stated.

Click to expand...

Urgent Timeline for Relocation and Demolition​

The court directed authorities to begin the rehabilitation process by May 20 to ensure timely relocation. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi government are instructed to conduct two camps between May 19 and 20.

• One camp will distribute possession letters for flats in Narela to eligible Madrasi camp residents.
• The second camp will facilitate the loan sanctioning process with assistance from bank officials.

The court ordered all necessary amenities, including fixtures and fittings in the Narela flats, be made available by May 20.

Residents must begin moving their belongings between May 20 and May 31, failing which they will lose eligibility for future allotments or rehabilitation opportunities.

Court Rejects Pleas to Halt Demolition​

The court also dismissed applications filed by several residents seeking a stay on the demolition, noting that it had addressed the issue for over ten months.

The court declared the Madrasi camp illegal construction and said it was a major cause of obstruction and clogging in the Barapullah drain, exacerbating flooding in adjacent areas during heavy rainfall.

“The relocation to Narela is of utmost urgency, particularly in light of the approaching monsoon season,” the court added, reaffirming the need for immediate and uninterrupted drain clearance to prevent public hardship.