HC directs authorities not to demolish slum at Ghazipur

The Delhi High Court has directed the authorities, including DMRC, not to evict the slum dwellers at Ghazipur Dairy Farm in east Delhi nor demolish their homes till the next date of hearing on their plea seeking protection from any move to demolish them.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher, while putting on hold the proposed demolition as apprehended by the slum dwellers, also issued notices to Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, city government, DMRC, East Delhi Municipal Corporation, city police and DUSIB and sought their responses by May 13.
It also appointed a local commissioner who would visit the place and report back to the court about the situation at the slum.

The plea, filed by one of the slum dwellers, has alleged that officials of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have been threatening to evict them and demolish their homes and has sought protection from any such move by the authorities.
The petition, filed through advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra, has submitted "there are immediate needs of public toilets and Anganwadi Kendra and other civic amenities for the welfare of the economically and socially deprived women and children of the above cluster".
It has said the residents of the area have been living there for more than 20 years now and comprise of more than 12 families.

It also claims that they have various proofs of residence and identity including ration cards, election ID cards, Aadhar cards, BPL cards and electricity bills.
According to the slum dwellers, who primarily do the work of 'kabaadi', ownership of the land allegedly lies with DMRC.
Phase-IV of DRMC's metro line is expected to go through this area.