With Delhi LG VK Saxena ordering suspension of the anti-encroachment drive in Mehrauli, the common man has termed the decision as a “victory for the people”. However, the LG reiterated that, while no action would be taken against the legal and rightful occupants, any illegal encroachment or unauthorized occupation around heritage monuments would be removed immediately in compliance with the orders of the High Court.
Saxena has directed officials to stop the anti-encroachment drive in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park area, five days after the Delhi Development Authority began demolition, triggering protests by locals and a political impasse in the national capital.
BJP national vice-president and Delhi unit in-charge Baijayant Panda blamed the AAP for the anti-encroachment drive. He wrote, “The fraud Aadmi Party has backstabbed the common man of Mehrauli, by wrongly demarcating officially registered houses for half a century. One will be the victim”.
Whereas, AAP’s Saurabh Bhardwaj retorted, “If BJP and LG sahab are backstabbing you, what stops your LG sahab from sacking all the revenue and DDA officials involved in this demolition? Challenge accepted? What happened today is a victory.” Of AAP and the people of Delhi. BJP had only recently realized that their LG sahib is making them unpopular with each passing day.
The drive began a month before the proposed G20 meeting at the south Delhi park, which has around 55 monuments under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India, the State Archaeological Department and the DDA, according to the Delhi Development Authority.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Government Pulled up the District Magistrate (South) for alleged “inaction” relating to the demolition drive and again directed him to demarcate the area afresh.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court directed the authorities to maintain status quo till February 16 on various properties in the Mehrauli Archaeological Park area, which have been identified for demolition as part of the ‘anti-encroachment’ drive.
The High Court further asked the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to explain its stand on a batch of petitions challenging the action and also sought a stay on the demolition till a fresh “demarcation report” is prepared.
catch all business News, market news, today’s fresh news events and Breaking News Update on Live Mint. download mint news app To get daily market updates.