In a decisive action against unauthorized construction, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) carried out a demolition drive targeting an illegal property in the upscale Amar Colony area of South Delhi. The operation, which took place on a recent Wednesday, saw civic officials raze an unlawfully built portion of a property located on Mandir Marg.
Demolition Drive Meets Resistance
The planned demolition action was met with significant resistance from a group of individuals associated with the property. According to officials from the Lajpat Nagar police station, a team from the SDMC's Central Zone arrived at the site to execute the demolition order. However, their efforts were obstructed by the property owner and several others present on the premises.
The group allegedly threatened the civic officials and attempted to physically prevent them from carrying out their duty. This obstruction forced the municipal team to retreat from the site temporarily and seek police assistance to ensure the action could proceed lawfully and safely.
Police Intervention and Legal Action
Following the complaint from the SDMC officials, the Lajpat Nagar police swiftly registered a case and intervened. Police personnel arrived at the scene to provide the necessary security cover for the civic body's team. With the law enforcement presence, the demolition was successfully completed.
In the aftermath, the police have booked five individuals for their role in obstructing government work. The First Information Report (FIR) names the property owner, identified as Praveen Kumar, along with four other associates: Rinku, Golu, Kalu, and Kala. They have been charged under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to obstruction, criminal intimidation, and other related offenses.
Civic Body's Stance on Unauthorized Construction
The SDMC has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards illegal constructions that violate municipal bylaws and the Master Plan for Delhi. Such structures not only pose safety risks but also strain the area's civic infrastructure. The demolition in Amar Colony is part of the corporation's ongoing drive to identify and dismantle buildings or portions of buildings that have been erected without proper sanctions or in violation of approved plans.
Officials emphasized that the property in question had significant unauthorized constructions which were duly identified through the corporation's surveillance and complaint mechanisms. Despite prior notices, the violations were not rectified, leading to the enforcement action.
Implications and Ongoing Vigilance
This incident highlights the challenges faced by civic authorities in curbing the menace of illegal construction in the national capital. It also sends a strong message that obstruction of lawful demolition drives will lead to strict legal consequences. The police case against the five individuals underscores the seriousness with which such interference is viewed.
The SDMC has stated that similar drives will continue across its jurisdiction. Residents and property owners have been advised to adhere to building norms and regularize any existing violations through the proper channels to avoid coercive action. The Amar Colony operation is a clear indicator that the civic body is prepared to undertake strong measures, with police support, to enforce urban planning regulations.
