Delhi High Court Orders Action Against Encroachments Near Jama Masjid
Court Takes Firm Stance on Encroachments
The Delhi High Court has adopted a stringent approach regarding the escalating issue of encroachments outside the renowned Jama Masjid. The court has mandated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to conduct a comprehensive survey within two months and remove all illegal constructions. Following this directive, there are speculations that similar demolition actions, like those recently executed near Turkman Gate, may soon occur in this area. It is noteworthy that the roads leading to the historic mosque are severely congested due to unauthorized shops and encroachments. Even the steps of the historic Jama Masjid are not spared, as vendors have occupied a significant portion of the pathway.
Concerns Over Heritage Preservation
The situation near the memorial of India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, is particularly alarming. Encroachers have taken over the area surrounding the memorial, raising serious concerns about heritage conservation. Vendors are seated on both sides of the roads leading to Jama Masjid, making it difficult for locals and tourists to navigate. These illegal structures not only disrupt traffic but also detract from the beauty of the centuries-old monument. The court has instructed the MCD to complete the survey and promptly remove all encroachments.
Violence Erupts During Anti-Encroachment Drive
Earlier this week, violence erupted near Turkman Gate during an anti-encroachment operation around the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque and the adjacent cemetery. As the municipal department began to dismantle illegal structures, some locals and outsiders reportedly threw stones at police and municipal staff. This chaos resulted in injuries to five police officers, prompting authorities to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Following the incident, police arrested five individuals and identified 30 others involved. Officials have collected nearly 400 videos from the scene and are analyzing each clip to identify more suspects.