Batla House not celebrating Eid-Ul-Adha over demolition threat.
It’s that time of year again when Muslims gear up for Eid-ul-Adha and streets come alive with the bleating of goats, markets buzz with excitement, and homes brim with festive preparations.
But in Batla House, particularly in Khasra number 279, a heavy silence hangs in the air. The usual joy has been replaced by a somber mood, as fear and uncertainty overshadow the spirit of the festival.
Residents say they won’t be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid 2025)
Residents here say they won’t be celebrating Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid 2025) this year, as a cloud of fear and uncertainty looms large over their lives. Acting on a Supreme Court order, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued eviction notices, instructing families and shop owners to vacate their homes and businesses in Khasra number 279 before June 11.
Since the notices were served, the mood in the area has turned grim. Instead of preparing for the festival, residents now spend their days and nights huddled in anxious discussions, desperately exploring ways to protect their homes and livelihoods.
Despite the looming threat of eviction, residents remain hopeful that the court will offer them relief. They insist they have all the necessary documents to prove ownership and claim they are the rightful, legal proprietors of their homes and shops. Many believe that their long-standing presence and valid paperwork will ultimately protect them from displacement.
“We’re not celebrating Eid-ul-Adha this year,” said Irfan, a resident of the area.
Another resident, 42-year-old Mohammad Haneef, said: “How can we think about celebrating when over 3,000 people are affected? We’re stuck in a terrible situation and have no idea what will happen to our homes.”
Haneef, who was born in Old Delhi, moved to this locality years ago with his father.
Tarik Farooqui, who has been living in the area since 1986, expressed deep concern over the situation. “This is injustice. People are devastated — some may even suffer shock from the stress. The voices of the victims must be heard. We still have faith in the authorities,” he said.
Farooqui said many residents, including his own family, moved from Old Delhi to Okhla because the former had become too congested. “We came here looking for space and stability. We sold our ancestral properties to settle here. The trend of building flats began only around 15 years ago. Now, where are we supposed to go? Most of us made this our permanent home by giving up everything we had,” he said.
“Some families have been living here for over six decades”
Some families, he said, have been living in the area for over six decades. “My uncle, for example, shifted here in 1978,” he noted.
Shakir Khan, another resident who has lived in the area since 1980, said they were unaware of any legal case until the Supreme Court notice appeared just a few days ago.
“Just look at the atmosphere here — does it feel like anyone can celebrate Eid-ul-Adha in this environment? Do our faces show any signs of joy? This is a festival we’ve celebrated for years, but do we look like we’re in the mood for celebration? How can there be Bakrid in a house that’s on the brink of being demolished, where families are under constant threat? No one here is going to celebrate Eid. Ask anyone around, they’ll tell you the same. How can we? We can’t even think of it,” said another resident, who had turned up on the street after DDA officials with police had turned up for structural survey on Wednesday.
Our Eid-ul-Adha has been ruined by demolition threat: Residents
“We’ve been reduced to nothing. Sadly, I have to say that our Eid-ul-Adha has been utterly ruined. For the past 15 days. Instead of preparing for the festival: Buying goats, clothes, or anything festive, we’ve been consumed by fear and anxiety. All the excitement has been buried under the weight of this crisis,” he said.
Another resident Jameel said: “There’s no Eid-Ul-Adha celebration happening anywhere in this entire locality. And what happened today? The sword is hanging over our heads — we’re living with that fear every single day. I’ve been living here for 35 years, and many others have been here for over 50. I don’t even have the words anymore to describe what we’re going through. How can we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha in a situation like this? This isn’t just a small issue — it’s affecting thousands of people. We’ve been living in this house for 50 years. We have all the documents: House tax, water bills, electricity bills. Everything…The Supreme Court hasn’t given us any real relief… Let’s see what happens next.”
Another resident said: “We’ve been trying our best. There was a meeting yesterday, another one today. We’re holding daily meetings. But no one is listening to us. As for Eid-ul-Adha — how are we supposed to celebrate it in the middle of this crisis? People here are in tears, breaking down under the pressure. We’re all in deep distress. Should we try to save our homes or celebrate Eid-ul-Adha?”
Air of anxiety has gripped entire Jamia Nagar
It’s not just the residents of Batla House’s Khasra Number 279 who are feeling the pressure. An air of anxiety has gripped the entire Jamia Nagar. The whole community is watching the situation unfold with bated breath, united in concern and quietly praying that those facing eviction receive some much-needed relief.
