The Delhi High Court has instructed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) not to proceed with any demolitions affecting the Pakistani Hindu refugees residing on the Yamuna floodplains since 2011. A petition challenging the March 4 notice, which directed the residents to vacate the area by March 6, has been filed in the High Court. The petitioner is seeking a directive to halt the demolition until alternative shelter arrangements are made for the approximately 800 people.
The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for March 19. Meanwhile, the counsel for the Pakistani Hindu refugees residing in Delhi’s Majnu ka Tilla, located on the Yamuna flood area, has urged the DDA to construct embankments along the Yamuna River for enhanced protection.
“I have mentioned in the petition that DDA should build the embankments along the Yamuna wherever they want so that some protection may be given,” stated Advocate RK Bali on Wednesday. The NGT had previously ordered the DDA to clear encroachments from the Yamuna flood area.
Regarding the government’s stance on the issue following the notification of Rules on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Bali remarked, “The stand of the government is to give protection, shelter and every type of support to the displaced persons who have come to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The CAA came into being in 2019, and after the notification is issued, they will get citizenship.”
Advocate Bali highlighted the presence of other structures on the Yamuna floodplain and mentioned various facilities in the area, such as a gurudwara in the vicinity of Majnu ka Tila, the Akshardham temple, Commonwealth Village, and other flats constructed on the river area. He emphasized that these refugees began residing in the area in 2011 on the directions of the Delhi High Court, with authorities providing them with all necessary facilities.
