Demolition of Bhoomiheen Camp in Delhi Begins Amid Heavy Police Deployment

Authorities launched a demolition drive in Delhi's Bhoomiheen camp, where over 300 jhuggis built on government land will be demolished. Heavy police deployment and paramilitary forces were deployed to carry out the demolition peacefully. The camp has seen demolition drives thrice in the past year. The residents are mostly migrant workers who received eviction notices days prior.

Delhi authorities have launched a demolition drive in Bhoomiheen Camp, a slum largely inhabited by migrant workers, to clear over 300 jhuggis built on government land. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) issued eviction notices to residents, directing them to vacate within three days or face action. The camp has witnessed demolition drives three times in the past year. Heavy police deployment and paramilitary forces were deployed to ensure a peaceful operation.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was detained by police on Tuesday while participating in a protest against the demolition drive. She criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for planning another demolition drive, alleging that the move is politically motivated. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has strongly opposed the move, accusing the BJP government of preparing for another demolition [2].

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta defended the demolition, stating it complied with court orders to clear the Barapulla drain and prevent floods. She claimed residents were relocated and criticized AAP for politicizing the issue. Gupta highlighted ongoing development work in Delhi, contrasting it with previous administrations [3].

The DDA issued a notice to residents, directing them to vacate their premises within three days. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in demolition action by the authorities. The DDA also stated that any belongings left inside the huts during demolition would be removed, and the agency would not be held responsible for any damage or loss to personal property [1].

AAP MP Sanjay Singh accused the Delhi BJP government of "running bulldozers" on people’s houses, shops, and their jobs. Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP, criticized the BJP government for deteriorating the situation of the city, accusing them of ruining it in just three months [4].

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/former-delhi-chief-minister-atishi-detained-during-protest-against-eviction-of-migrants/videoshow/121752651.cms
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/atishi-detained-bhoomiheen-camp-demolition-protest-125061000506_1.html
[3] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/court-ordered-removal-of-this-slum-no-one-can-defy-court-orders-delhi-cm-rekha-gupta-on-demolition-of-madrasi-camp/articleshow/121704513.cms
[4] https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/atishi-detained-by-delhi-police-after-joining-anti-demolition-protest-kejriwal-says-bjp-ruined-city-in-just-3-months/3875125/