The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched an encroachment removal drive around Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, following directions from the Delhi High Court to survey illegal constructions and clear unauthorised occupation around the historic monument.
Civic teams have started removing encroachments from public spaces and parks, with at least three parks being cleared as part of the exercise.
The drive is aimed at recovering public spaces around the monument, which attracts a large number of visitors and worshippers and is surrounded by busy commercial lanes.
Adequate security has also been deployed during the operation, with security personnel being stationed around the area to prevent any breach of law and order.
The MCD launched the demolition and encroachment removal drive around Jama Masjid earlier this week, acting on directions issued by the Delhi High Court.
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The civic body has been asked to survey illegal constructions and encroachments in and around the historic Mughal-era monument and take appropriate action against unauthorised structures.
MCD teams began clearing encroachments from public spaces and parks in the area, with a senior civic official saying the operation was focused on removing encroachments occupying public places around the monument.
At least three parks were being cleared as part of the drive, according to another official.
The action follows the Delhi High Court’s directions for a survey of constructions and encroachments around Jama Masjid, which had earlier directed the civic body to identify illegal constructions and take action for their removal.
The MCD subsequently carried out a survey before beginning the ground-level enforcement exercise, and they also removed unauthorised temporary structures from the park areas.
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Officials said the enforcement action was carried out with the cooperation of stakeholders and other authorities, and the operation remained peaceful.
MCD teams were also involved in clearing the debris after the structures were removed, and security personnel were deployed around the area to prevent any breach of law and order during the drive.
Jama Masjid is among Delhi’s prominent Mughal-era landmarks and draws large numbers of visitors and worshippers, while the surrounding lanes are also a busy commercial zone.
The latest action forms part of the MCD’s follow-up to the High Court’s directions on illegal construction and encroachment around the monument, and the exercise also places the focus on keeping public parks and other civic spaces around the densely occupied Old Delhi area available for their intended use.
