After HT report, Delhi civic body begins removing illegal structures at encroached Zamrudpur monuments
The action follows Supreme Court scrutiny over heritage monument conditions, with further measures planned.
On Thursday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated an anti-encroachment drive to eliminate illegal structures at heritage monuments in Zamrudpur village, near Greater Kailash-1 in south Delhi, as per the MCD's statement. During the operation, walls and makeshift structures inside the monuments, utilized as cattle sheds and storage areas, were dismantled.
Additionally, ten truckloads of debris and garbage were removed from the site. The MCD also stated that illegal gates obstructing access to the monuments were taken down.
Earlier, HT reported on August 10 about how these Grade 1 heritage buildings, which were once part of the Lodhi-era tombs, were encroached upon by unplanned houses and served as storage areas, cattle sheds, or garbage dumps. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the condition of these heritage sites after media reports highlighted extensive encroachment at the Lodhi-era tombs in Zamrudpur. The court summoned the additional commissioner of MCD to explain their actions, with the matter scheduled for hearing on October 7.
MCD declared that a "crackdown on illegal encroachments at heritage monument sites in Zamrudpur village in south zone" has commenced following the Supreme Court's directive. Their joint team, comprising various MCD departments and police assistance, conducted the drive employing machinery and manpower. Three iron gates were removed, obstructing entry to the monuments. The statement further noted that further anti-encroachment actions are planned in the forthcoming days.
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