Demolition of Delhi Sarojini Nagar Market Takes Place Late at Night

The operation, starting around 11:00 PM and lasting into the early hours, focused on shop extensions, awnings, and signs, impacting roughly 150 to 200 businesses. Traders have voiced significant discontent regarding the timing and implementation of the campaign, claiming it was executed without advance warning and caused harm to legally authorized businesses.

A representative from the Sarojini Nagar Mini Traders Association stated, “We were not informed about this action. Many of us had already left for the day, and upon returning, we found our shop fronts dismantled.” The association contends that the demolitions were indiscriminate, impacting both unauthorized and authorized structures.

The NDMC, in its defense, maintains that the drive was part of a broader initiative to reclaim public spaces and ensure unobstructed access to markets and footpaths. An official statement from the council emphasized their commitment to maintaining encroachment-free urban areas, stating, “Our anti-encroachment drives are ongoing efforts to enhance urban accessibility and public safety.” However, the traders argue that the council’s actions were heavy-handed and lacked transparency. They point out that similar structures, such as awnings and signage, are commonplace across Delhi’s markets and even in NDMC’s own offices. The suddenness of the operation, they claim, has disrupted their businesses and livelihoods.

The Sarojini Nagar market, founded in 1951 and featuring different areas like the main market, Babu Market, and the Mini Market, is a well-known spot for inexpensive apparel and accessories. Throughout the years, the market has encountered issues concerning congestion and fire risks, with officials pointing to illegal buildings as significant contributors. Traders recognize these issues but contend that the procedure for regularizing specific structures has been postponed, making them susceptible to such sudden measures.

Following the recent demolitions, the traders intend to organize protests and have requested an evaluation of the NDMC’s enforcement strategy. They encourage the council to converse with market associations to create equitable and sustainable solutions that harmonize urban planning goals with the requirements of the local business community.