The team of the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) razed nearly 125 shanties near the old bus stand on Wednesday. These makeshift shelters were inhabited by the laboring class individuals, constructed informally on land previously designated for an old women’s shelter. With the presence of the police, some residents began removing their belongings from the shanties upon the arrival of the team. Currently, the belongings of several people and debris from the dismantled shanties lay scattered at the site, awaiting prompt clearance as directed.
About two decades ago, there was a women’s shelter near the Old Roadways Bus Stand, which was relocated. The land came under the Haryana Urban Development Authority’s jurisdiction as part of the government’s scheme. While hundreds were relocated to Sector 14 by HUDA, those remaining have been instructed to vacate the land, yet many disregarded the notice. This commercial land holds substantial value, estimated in millions. HUDA authorities had initially asked people residing in these shelters to vacate the land six months ago.
Just two days before, the concerned authorities urged the inhabitants to vacate the land, which led many residents to meet officials at the local secretary’s office and HUDA’s property officer, seeking more time for relocation. However, the property officer explicitly stated that no further extension could be granted. On Wednesday, executive officer Dharmbir Mahila was appointed as the duty magistrate by HUDA. Alongside the police force led by Subhash Sharma, JE Abhishek, and Supervisor Bhim Singh, the HUDA team arrived and commenced clearing the shanties using JCBs.
Amidst the presence of the residents, particularly women, they demanded more time to evacuate the shanties or remove their belongings themselves, but the team persisted, demolishing about 125 shanties. During this process, while some managed to retrieve their belongings, others had their possessions trapped under debris. Later, those who were actively removing their belongings were allowed a 24-hour grace period for clearing their items.
