Late-night demolition drive in Sarojini market draws protests
New Delhi: A demolition drive was carried out late Saturday night at Sarojini Nagar market, sparking outrage among traders who claimed the action was sudden and retaliatory. According to traders, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) began the operation after 11.30 pm, demolishing extended sheds, awnings, and shop banners without prior notice.
Traders alleged that the action targeted those demanding the removal of illegal hawkers from the area. "We had already left for our homes. When informed, we rushed back. Officials couldn't show any order, and without listening to us, the demolition continued amid heavy police presence till 1 am," said Ashok Randhawa of the Mini Market Traders Association.
"They demolished awnings used for shelter from rain and sunlight and banners in both the main and mini markets.
Similar extensions exist in markets across Delhi, but we were targeted because we've been actively raising concerns about encroachments," he said.
NDMC officials, however, maintained that traders had been repeatedly asked over the past two weeks to remove temporary horizontal extensions, including lintel chajjas, outside their shops. "These illegal extensions had reappeared despite previous removals. Similar actions have been taken in other markets too," an official said.
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According to NDMC, several shopkeepers had used these extensions to store goods, restricting pedestrian movement. Officials also claimed that hawkers were using the space under these extensions, violating norms.
Traders countered that instead of acting against unauthorised vendors, NDMC targeted shopkeepers who had moved the Delhi High Court seeking the removal of illegal hawkers. "The Sarojini Nagar Shopkeepers Association filed a writ petition, and the high court directed action against illegal vending.
We're not against authorised vendors or those with legal protection, but others must be removed," said a shopkeeper.
NDMC defended the drive, stating it was part of a broader initiative. "NDMC is consistently conducting anti-encroachment drives. Saturday's night-time action was part of an intensified enforcement campaign," the council said in a statement.
Meanwhile, police denied allegations that some traders were injured. "NDMC held the drive. Our officers were only there to provide security. No violence was reported," said a police source.
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