NEW DELHI — The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched a major clearance operation on Monday morning. Officials initiated a full-scale Jama Masjid encroachment removal drive across the historic Shahjahanabad precinct.
The action follows strict orders from the Delhi High Court instructing civic bodies to clear public land. Consequently, teams equipped with heavy machinery began razing illegal extensions, makeshift stalls, and unauthorized structures.
High Court Directives Prompt Action on Public Parks and Encroached Zones
The civic body acted after completing detailed surveys of unauthorized developments around the 17th-century Mughal monument. Furthermore, court proceedings highlighted severe misuse of open public spaces, pedestrian walkways, and municipal green belts.
Civic officers confirmed that teams are clearing at least three public parks around the precinct. Over time, temporary vendors and unauthorized commercial extensions occupied these spaces, disrupting traffic flow and emergency access.
Also Read : IIT Delhi Police Surveillance Protests: Students Allege Plainclothes Cops Entered Campus
Police Maintain High Vigilance to Ensure Public Safety During Demolitions
Heavy security contingents accompanied the demolition squads into Old Delhi to prevent law and order disruptions. Officers established multi-layer barricades across main market lanes to control crowds and divert traffic smoothly.
Senior police officials confirmed that the site remains calm while operations proceed as scheduled. However, security units maintain continuous surveillance across nearby commercial hubs like Meena Bazaar and Matia Mahal.
Balancing Heritage Protection with Local Commerce in Old Delhi
Jama Masjid stands as one of India’s most visited heritage landmarks, attracting thousands of tourists and worshippers daily. Therefore, preserving the heritage area remains a central goal of the judicial mandate.
The Jama Masjid encroachment removal drive reflects ongoing efforts to restore order across congested urban corridors. Local business groups expressed hope that restored access routes will make visiting the historic site safer and more manageable.