The Delhi government’s home department has directed all land-owning agencies to provide an updated report on illegal religious structures around the city. The action is expected to lead to another demolition effort. The Public Works Department (PWD) reports that 21 such constructions are awaiting action, despite approval from the government’s Religious Committee.
Officials claim a variety of grounds for the delay in action against unlawful buildings, including District Magistrates’ clearance, Lok Sabha elections, and a paucity of police force.
The Public Works Department, which is in charge of maintaining the city’s main highways, is part of a special task force that conducts anti-encroachment drives. The home department has asked all land-owning agencies to conduct surveys in their respective areas and submit reports within four weeks.
Structures awaiting removal include those opposite ‘Neela Gumbad’ on Mathura Road, which is Chintamani Plaza on Grand Trunk Road in East Delhi, a red light junction between Loni Road and Wazirabad Road, Maujpur Chowk, and three structures along the old BRT corridor.
“To expedite the process, it is suggested that all the land-owning agencies carry out a detailed survey of all of their properties to identify the number of illegal religious structures that were still standing before the Supreme Court of India peace dated 29/09/2009 and then present a detailed proposal to the Religious Committee,” according to the ruling.
In September 2009, the Supreme Court issued a directive prohibiting unauthorized religious construction on public streets, parks, and other public locations. The decree said that structures created before September 2009 would be considered by the Religious Committee, while any built after that date would be removed.
The Home Department has also expressed worry about the “piecemeal manner” in which agencies submit approvals and proposals for the demolition of these buildings, which can lead to litigation and further delays in the process. “It was noted at the Home Department that the land-owning agencies are transmitting their ideas in a piecemeal fashion to the Religious Committee constituted for their consideration, which at times leads in litigation and additional delay.