New Delhi, May 31 (H.S.): Following the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the order of the Delhi High Court, authorities on Sunday morning commenced the removal of illegal constructions situated within the designated Right of Way (RoW) of Road No. 320 in the Haiderpur village area of Shalimar Bagh. The administration has made it clear that the operation will continue until all unauthorized structures within the earmarked area are completely removed and the land is made available for the road-widening project.

In a statement issued today, S. S. Parihar, District Magistrate (DM) of Central-North Delhi, said that the action is being carried out in compliance with judicial directives. The land in question is acquired government property and has been designated as a public road under the Master Plan of the **Delhi Development Authority** (DDA). It also forms part of the prescribed Right of Way for Road No. 320.

He stated that the road constitutes an important traffic corridor connecting the Shalimar Bagh Railway Under Bridge (RUB) with Outer Ring Road. The route serves as a key link between Ring Road, Azadpur, Shalimar Bagh, and several major residential, commercial, and institutional zones in the vicinity. It also facilitates access to hospitals, government offices, and emerging administrative complexes.

Parihar noted that the effective width of the road has been severely compromised due to encroachments, resulting in chronic traffic congestion and causing significant difficulties for ambulances, fire tenders, and other emergency service vehicles.

He further explained that on April 6, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition related to the matter, observing that the petitioners did not possess valid pre-acquisition ownership documents, that the land acquisition process was lawful, and that a road project of substantial public importance could not be obstructed. Subsequently, a review petition was also dismissed on May 18.

Following these developments, the petitioners approached the Supreme Court of India by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP). The matter was heard on May 29, and the Supreme Court dismissed the SLP while affirming the Delhi High Court’s order. With this decision, the administration’s position received final judicial approval.

Parihar added that the Delhi Government has adopted a humanitarian approach by announcing a special assistance package for eligible affected families. Under the package, every eligible family or unit will receive a one-time ex gratia payment of ₹3 lakh.

In addition, families that do not possess any alternative accommodation in Delhi will be provided temporary residential facilities on a license basis for up to 11 months in housing units located at Savda Ghevra.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar