A massive anti-encroachment operation unfolded in South Delhi early Friday as authorities demolished a bungalow in the Sainik Farms area. The bungalow was allegedly built on Government land. The demolition began around 6 am, with multiple heavy earth movers deployed and a large contingent of police and paramilitary personnel stationed at the site to prevent any disturbance.
According to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the structure was one of several illegal constructions raised on DDA-acquired land in Tilpath Valley, an area classified as a green zone and maintained as a biodiversity park. Officials said the land does not fall under the protective provisions of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Special Provisions) Act, 2014, which shields JJ clusters from demolition. The structures demolished were therefore not eligible for protection. Friday’s action marks the second phase of a larger operation that began on December 5, when DDA targeted unauthorised properties built across Khasra Nos. 595, 596 and 620. A total of nine properties were identified in the first phase. Out of these, five structures — two fully built farmhouses, two semi-built farmhouses and one bounded vacant plot — were razed, enabling authorities to reclaim nearly 4 acres of prime land.
Three remaining properties could not be touched earlier, as their owners had obtained stay orders from the Delhi High Court. Another property on Khasra No. 596 was left untouched on December 5 as per court directions during an ongoing hearing. However, the High Court, during its hearing on December 10, declined to extend protection in that case.
With no legal barrier left, DDA teams, accompanied by Delhi Police, moved in on Friday morning to demolish the structure. Officials said the demolition was completed without any major law-and-order issues, and the land, approximately 0.5 acres, has now been fully reclaimed. Senior DDA officials said the anti-encroachment drive is part of a sustained effort to clear illegal occupation on ecologically sensitive land and protect the biodiversity zone. The reclaimed area, they said, will be integrated into the ongoing conservation work in Tilpath Valley.
Locals reported that the demolition teams arrived before sunrise, with JCB machines, crane trucks and enforcement staff surrounding the property. Police personnel restricted movement around the area and maintained a cordon to prevent interference. DDA officials emphasised that illegal farmhouses in protected green areas have become a persistent challenge, with influential individuals attempting to convert forested or environmentally sensitive land into private estates. The agency said more demolitions are expected as part of its ongoing campaign against encroachment.
The latest action brings the total land reclaimed this month to roughly 4.5 acres, marking one of the largest ecological recovery drives in the region in recent years.
Authorities said further steps will be taken based on court outcomes and ongoing surveys of nearby land parcels suspected to be under unauthorised occupation. The anti-encroachment operations are expected to continue through the winter to prevent new constructions from coming up.
