The Delhi High Court on Tuesday gave residents of three jhuggi clusters near the Prime Minister’s official residence in the Lok Kalyan Marg area six weeks to vacate their settlements and move to alternative accommodation allotted to them at Savda Ghevra in outer Delhi.
During the six weeks, the residents are to be provided the accommodation allotted to them at the DUSIB colony. The committee will oversee the rehabilitation process and ensure that the facilities promised by the government are made available to the residents. The order came on appeals filed by residents of Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp and Masjid Camp, which are located near the Race Course area. Hundreds of families live in these settlements and had opposed their relocation to Savda Ghevra. The residents had argued that moving to the outskirts of Delhi would affect their livelihoods, children’s education and access to healthcare. The government also informed the Court that the relocation site has infrastructure including sewer lines, water supply, roads and parks, while additional facilities are under development.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia modified an earlier order by a single judge, who had directed the residents to vacate the area within 15 days.
They said many residents work as drivers, domestic workers and labourers in central Delhi and would face difficulties commuting to their workplaces after relocation.
