Bulldozer panic spreads in Batla House after DDA officials visited Khasra 279 on Wednesday to conduct a structural survey, according to residents. Social activist Md Sagheer, who was present during the visit, said the officials were accompanied by local police and were also measuring the height of buildings. “Their visit has caused anxiety among residents, especially with Eid-ul-Adha just a few days away. The reason for the visit appears to take survey of the buildings,” said Sagheer while airing the event live.
The Supreme Court on Monday declined for now to interfere with the demolition notices issued to the properties owners at Batla House in Jamia Nagar, while telling the affected people to approach appropriate authorities, reported Deccan Herald.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma posted their plea for hearing in July.
About 40 residents, who owned properties in Batla House, approached the apex court for stay on the demolition order.
Acting on the earlier SC order, the DDA issued eviction notices dated May 26, which were pasted on several buildings in Batla House. The notices stated: The May 26 notice was put in both English and Hindi and said: “Whereas, the land of Khasra number 279 village Okhla is acquired DDA/Government land…and a part of the subject land has unauthorised encroachment.
“And whereas, the Supreme Court…has directed the Delhi Development Authority and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi to take action of demolition of illegal/unauthorised structures in said Khasra number 279 village Okhla in relation to the area lying outside PM-UDAY colony boundary. And whereas the SC has directed that such action shall be taken after giving 15 days notice to the occupants of such illegal/unauthorised structures.
“And whereas, this building/structure has been found to be an illegal/unauthorised structure falling in khasra number 279 village Okhla outside PMA-UDAY colony boundary. Now therefore in pursuance with the directions of the SC to take action of demolition in accordance with law in respect of illegal/unauthorised structures and in order to recover precious DDA/Government land, the occupants of this building/structure are hereby directed to vacate the premise within 15 days of issuance of this notice. The demolition programmer shall be carried out from 11-06-2025 without any further notice. The occupants of this building/structure have been duly warned.”
Bulldozer panic spreads in Batla House
As word of the officials’ arrival spread through the narrow lanes of the locality, a number of social activists and lawyers quickly gathered at the scene. The bulldozer panic spreads in Batla House. One YouTuber covering the developments remarked that since Monday, the mood in Batla House has been grim, with residents growing increasingly anxious and uncertain about what lies ahead.
“Though the court hearing is scheduled for July, no one knows what might happen in the meantime,” the YouTuber said. “Each time officials visit, it stirs panic — people are genuinely unsettled., leading to bulldozer panic spreading in Batla House.”
According to activist Md Tahir, many old-time residents — some of whom have lived here for decades — have been busy filing documents under the PM-UDAY scheme in hopes of regularising their properties.
Bulldozer panic spreads in Batla House and residents in limbo
With Eid-ul-Adha falling on June 17, the tension is even more palpable. Social activist Md Sagheer summed up the prevailing sentiment: “It’s a classic catch-22 for the residents — they’re stuck in limbo, unsure of the outcome and fearing the worst.”
A senior journalist closely following the unfolding developments around the Batla House demolition remarked that the recent visit by DDA officials appeared to be part of a structural survey. However, confusion reigns on the ground and it is difficult to stop bulldozer panic spreading in Batla House. With demolition notices being served to homes days ago that, according to residents, don’t fall under Khasra 279, speculation has overtaken certainty.
“There’s a sense of unease,” said a local resident. “No one knows exactly how many homes or shops are affected — everyone is just guessing. We need clear answers, not assumptions.”
Maghroob, a lifelong resident born in Batla House in 1965, reflected on the transformation of the neighbourhood. “I’ve seen this place evolve from a quiet rural pocket to a buzzing urban sprawl. It was only in the last decade that the flat culture took over. Earlier, open spaces and standalone houses defined the landscape. Now, everything’s been built up — every inch turned into concrete.”
Local resident and activist Md Saghir who was present at the spot said: “The DDA team came to survey the buildings that had previously been marked and given eviction notices. At that time, they had just gone around marking the buildings. Today, they properly checked how many flats are in each building and how many families are living there. They completed some earlier incomplete surveys and added a few buildings they had missed before. Today, for nearly 2.5 to 3 hours, the DDA and MCD officials marked about 45 houses. They reached Gali No 12, and people are clearly upset. It’s very disheartening — it’s festival season, people are already distressed. It takes 30 to 40 years to build a home. If these houses are 40–50 years old, why weren’t they stopped then?” Locals are questioning why the buildings were allowed to come up in the first place if the land belonged to DDA. No one should be made homeless.”
There is a strong emotional appeal to the authorities.
“Building a home takes sweat, sacrifice — people work day and night to make a small house. Only someone who has lost their home can truly understand the pain. I want to tell the administration — do not demolish these homes. Provide relief.”
People are also confused about ownership and promises made earlier, said a resident.
“They are demanding a legal solution and permanent registration. The government should find a way to provide relief and permanent registration.”
Another resident Guddu said: “This issue has been going on for over a year, starting with a Supreme Court order for land demarcation. DDA recently submitted its report, and notices were issued with a 15-day deadline ending on June 11.
“In response, 40–45 families approached the Supreme Court, and the matter is now with a double bench, scheduled to be heard on July 15…Residents are planning to meet with the DDA and the LG (Lieutenant Governor) and is also looking to register under the PM-UDAY scheme.
“We’ll approach DDA and the LG. We’re preparing to meet every officer and present our case. They’re hoping for temporary relief until July 15, the court date. Until our hearing date of July 15, we should be given relief.”
“There are thousands of people affected.”
He said affected residents are scared, frustrated, and feeling unheard. With the demolition deadline close and a court hearing weeks away, they’re desperately appealing for compassion and legal resolution, he said.
