The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has confirmed the demolition of 45 hutments in the Bhoomiheen Camp slum cluster, located in South East Delhi’s Govindpuri area. This action followed the Delhi High Court’s dismissal of petitions filed by the residents, whose names were not present in the official survey list, thereby rendering them ineligible for rehabilitation under existing policies.
Background
Established nearly three decades ago, Bhoomiheen Camp was home to migrants from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal. The settlement initially comprised 3,480 households. Over the years, efforts have been made to rehabilitate eligible residents under the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) policy, which mandates that dwellers must have been residing in JJ colonies before January 1, 2015, with proper documentation.
Rehabilitation and Demolition Details
| Category | Number of Households | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Total households in Bhoomiheen Camp | 3,480 | – |
| Eligible for rehabilitation | 1,862 | Allotted EWS flats in Pocket A-14, Kalkaji Extension; resettled over 2 years ago |
| Remaining households after initial resettlement | 1,618 | – |
| Further demolitions carried out | 935 | Executed in June and July 2023 |
| Structures pending demolition | 683 | Stayed due to Delhi High Court orders; includes adjacent jhuggis and seven religious structures |
| Recent demolitions (May 2025) | 45 | Residents’ petitions dismissed by Delhi High Court; deemed ineligible for rehabilitation |
Legal Proceedings
On May 26, 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed a batch of petitions filed by 45 residents of Bhoomiheen Camp. The court observed that the petitioners did not appear in the official survey list, a prerequisite for rehabilitation eligibility. Consequently, the DDA proceeded with the demolition of their hutments.
DDA’s Statement
The DDA emphasized that the demolition was essential for reclaiming public land and advancing housing projects for other JJ clusters in the vicinity. A spokesperson stated:
“This action is crucial for reclaiming DDA land, completing housing projects for other JJ clusters in the vicinity, and preventing further illegal encroachments.”
Community Impact
The demolition has affected individuals and families who have resided in Bhoomiheen Camp for decades. Many of the displaced were engaged in informal sectors, including domestic work, factory labor, and small-scale trading. The sudden loss of shelter has raised concerns about the adequacy of rehabilitation measures and the transparency of the eligibility verification process.
Future Outlook
The situation at Bhoomiheen Camp underscores the challenges of urban redevelopment in Delhi, particularly concerning the rights and rehabilitation of long-standing informal settlers. As the DDA continues its efforts to redevelop JJ colonies, ensuring transparent processes and adequate support for affected residents remains imperative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why were the 45 hutments in Bhoomiheen Camp demolished?
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished the 45 hutments after the Delhi High Court dismissed petitions by the residents. These residents were not included in the official survey list, making them ineligible for rehabilitation under existing policies.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation under the DUSIB policy?
To qualify for rehabilitation, residents must have been living in the JJ (Jhuggi Jhopri) colonies before January 1, 2015, and must provide proper documentation proving their residence.
3. How many households in Bhoomiheen Camp have been rehabilitated so far?
Out of approximately 3,480 households, about 1,862 eligible families have been resettled in EWS flats in Kalkaji Extension. However, many remain without formal rehabilitation.
4. What are the implications of this demolition for other slum dwellers in Delhi?
This demolition highlights the challenges faced by informal settlers regarding documentation and eligibility for rehabilitation. It underscores the importance of official recognition and proper urban planning to ensure housing rights.
5. What support is available for the families displaced by this demolition?
Currently, the DDA has not announced specific relief for the recently demolished hutments. However, affected families may seek legal recourse or approach local NGOs for interim support.
6. Are religious or community structures also affected by the demolition?
Yes, some adjacent jhuggis and seven religious structures in the area were also part of demolition plans, although some were temporarily stayed by court orders.
7. What is the government’s long-term plan for JJ colonies like Bhoomiheen Camp?
The government aims to redevelop JJ colonies with proper housing projects, but the process requires balancing rehabilitation eligibility, land reclamation, and urban development.