New Delhi — The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has initiated the evacuation of several aging residential buildings in Lutyens’ Delhi, citing structural safety concerns. The move has sparked protests from residents, particularly at the Palika Dham staff quarters.
Evacuations have already been completed at Pandara Park and Prithvi Raj Lane, where buildings were found structurally unsafe based on ground surveys conducted six months ago. Affected residents have been relocated to government quarters in Jor Bagh and surrounding areas.
Recently, NDMC issued eviction notices to occupants of Palika Dham, a staff housing complex built in 1974 with brick masonry construction. Residents were given 15 days to vacate following a structural assessment that declared the buildings unsafe. However, the move has been met with strong resistance from the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), which argues that the issues are minor and can be resolved through repairs rather than demolition.
“Many buildings in the area are older than Palika Dham, including those in Connaught Place and Balmiki Sadan, yet they have not been declared dangerous,” said Raju Dakolia, president of the Palika Dham RWA. “This seems like an excuse to vacate the area for redevelopment into high-rise flats.” HT
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NDMC officials, however, maintained that all necessary protocols were followed. “After detailed structural evaluations, the buildings were declared unfit for habitation,” an official said. “The safety of our employees is paramount. Alternative Type II accommodations in Sarojini Nagar and Lodhi Road are being offered to the affected 150 employees.”
A circular issued by NDMC’s housing department on July 30 mandates all eligible residents to attend a transparent allocation process. “No complaints regarding the relocation will be entertained later,” the circular noted.
Residents argue that shifting to far-off locations will disrupt their livelihoods and children’s education. Some allege that the NDMC’s long-term plan is to redevelop the site into multistorey housing, reducing their chances of returning post-redevelopment.
Despite these concerns, NDMC insists that the evacuation is a necessary safety measure and has denied engaging in any unofficial discussions with the RWA.
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