In a swift follow-up to yesterday’s demolition of illegal buildings, Delhi’s MCD launched a massive debris removal drive at Turkman Gate on Wednesday. Scores of police formed a tight cordon around the site, ensuring the operation proceeded without hitches.
The narrow bylanes of this iconic locality echoed with the rumble of heavy machinery as workers cleared piles of concrete, bricks, and twisted metal. What was once cluttered with unauthorized extensions now promises open space for pedestrians and vehicles.
The MCD has intensified its anti-encroachment campaign citywide, targeting areas where illegal structures impede drainage, electricity lines, and emergency access. Officials reported removing debris from over 50 structures in this single push.
Eyewitnesses described a tense atmosphere, with barricades preventing locals from approaching too close. ‘We support cleanliness, but what about our livelihoods?’ questioned a street vendor whose stall was affected.
Delhi Police confirmed no arrests were made, crediting proactive deployment for the smooth conduct. The cleared land will soon undergo leveling and possibly greening efforts, as per civic plans.
This operation revives memories of the 1976 Turkman Gate evictions during the Emergency era, a controversial chapter in Delhi’s history. Today’s action, however, focuses strictly on post-demolition cleanup, with rehabilitation surveys underway for genuinely displaced families.
Urban planners emphasize the need for dialogue with communities to avoid future encroachments, blending enforcement with empathy in Delhi’s densely packed heritage zones.
