DDA Removes Over 900 Slums After Court Dismisses Petitions; Eligible Families Allotted EWS Flats
New Delhi, June 5, 2025 – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has confirmed the removal of over 900 slums from the landless camp in Govindpuri, South Delhi, following a key decision by the Delhi High Court. The demolition drive took place last month, after the court dismissed multiple petitions opposing the action.
Court Rejects Petitions Against Slum Demolition
On May 26, 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed petitions filed by 45 residents whose names were not found in the official survey list. These petitioners, according to the DDA, did not meet the eligibility criteria as per the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) policy.
The court’s decision gave the green signal for DDA to proceed with its phased slum clearance plan, which had been temporarily stalled due to ongoing legal cases.
Eligibility Based on 2015 Cut-off
Under DUSIB’s guidelines, slum dwellers residing in the area before January 1, 2015, are considered eligible for rehabilitation. Proof of residence, including presence in the voter list or other official identity documents before the cut-off date, was necessary.
Out of 1,618 total slums in the area, 1,862 eligible families have already been allotted flats under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing scheme in Kalkaji Extension. So far, 935 slums have been demolished as part of this initiative.
Religious Sites and Court Orders Delay Full Clearance
While significant progress has been made, DDA stated that the remaining 683 slums are yet to be cleared due to multiple challenges. These include:
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Court-issued stay orders on certain structures
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Religious sites—a total of seven are located within the demolition zone
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Structural constraints due to nearby unaffected slums
These factors have delayed the full implementation of the clearance plan.
Ongoing Legal Cases and Categorization of Petitioners
A total of 55 petitions involving 435 individuals remain under consideration in the Delhi High Court, currently being reviewed by Justice Dharmesh Sharma. DDA has classified the petitioners into six different categories, such as:
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Those missing from the official survey list
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Commercial property users
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Minors residing before 2015
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Other miscellaneous categories
The DDA has assured that the slum removal drive will continue in a phased and lawful manner, strictly adhering to court directions.
