New Delhi: In a major enforcement drive aimed at clearing encroachments from flood-prone areas, Delhi authorities have issued eviction notices to 52 illegal occupants residing near the flood control embankment close to Yamuna Bazar ghats in Delhi.
The action has been taken by the District Magistrate (Old Delhi), citing serious risks to human life, property, and public safety due to repeated flooding in the area.
Encroachments in Yamuna Floodplain Raise Safety Concerns
Officials stated that the affected settlements are located in the flood-prone “O-zone” of the Yamuna floodplain, an area strictly prohibited for habitation due to high risk of inundation during monsoon and flood events.
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The administration warned that illegal occupation in such zones not only endangers residents but also puts pressure on emergency response systems during disasters.
District Magistrate Flags Risk After Repeated Floods
The District Magistrate (Old Delhi) highlighted in a post on social media platform ‘X’ that extensive relief operations were carried out during the 2023 and 2025 floods, which placed significant strain on public resources.
The post emphasized:
- Floodplain encroachment poses a grave threat to life and property
- Repeated floods have increased administrative burden
- Restoration of Yamuna floodplain ecology is necessary for public safety
Earlier Drive Targeted Over 300 Illegal Families
This latest action follows a larger crackdown initiated earlier this month. On May 7, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) had issued eviction notices to around 300 illegal families living in the Yamuna Bazar area.
Residents were directed to vacate within 15 days, failing which demolition action using bulldozers was warned under provisions of the law.
Action Under DDMA Act, 2005
Authorities confirmed that the operation is being carried out under Section 34 of the DDMA Act, 2005, which empowers officials to act against unsafe and unauthorized settlements in disaster-prone zones.
Officials stated that after the deadline ends, structures built in violation of norms will be removed without further notice.
Yamuna Floodplain Declared No-Construction Zone
The Yamuna Bazar Ghat region includes 32 ghats, where approximately 310 unauthorized structures have reportedly been constructed on land owned by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
Key points noted by officials:
- Entire area falls under floodplain “O-zone” category
- Construction is strictly prohibited
- Area is highly vulnerable during seasonal flooding
- Encroachments increase disaster risk and environmental degradation
Focus on Public Safety and River Restoration
Authorities reiterated that the primary objective of the eviction drive is to:
- Protect lives from flood hazards
- Restore natural floodplain areas of the Yamuna
- Prevent future disaster-related losses
- Ensure long-term ecological balance of the river system
The administration has indicated that similar enforcement actions may continue in other vulnerable zones if encroachments are found.
