Delhi: MCD launches anti-encroachment drive in Jama Masjid area

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated an anti-encroachment drive in the Jama Masjid area on Monday, following a two-month survey ordered by the Delhi High Court. According to officials, the enforcement action targeted park areas surrounding the historic monument within the Old Delhi Zone of the MCD. The survey, ordered under a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by local residents in January, aimed to verify allegations of unauthorized construction and encroachment near the mosque.

The court had directed the MCD to complete the survey within two months, warning that appropriate action would be taken against any illegal structures detected during the process.

The drive focused on the North and South Parks adjacent to Jama Masjid. Officials reported that "unauthorized and temporary structures" were removed during the operation, emphasizing that the action was carried out peacefully with the cooperation of all stakeholders. The clearance of debris was also underway as of Monday, as per the civic body's statement.

Jama Masjid, a protected monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, was the subject of the PIL. The petitioners alleged the presence of an illegal parking lot, an e-rickshaw charging station, a Medicare Hospital without proper licensing, and various illegal commercial activities in and around the area. The court had directed the MCD to take swift action against any illegal construction, encroachment, or unlawful use identified during the survey.