The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued eviction notices to residents living in the Yamuna Bazaar ghat area, directing them to vacate the floodplain zone within 15 days, warning that demolition and eviction action will follow in case of non-compliance.
According to government officials, the Yamuna Bazaar stretch falls under the O-Zone category where construction activity is prohibited. Officials said the land belongs to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and encroachments have gradually spread across the area over the years.
A senior Delhi government officer said there are 32 ghats in the Yamuna Bazaar area, many of which have been encroached upon. At present, nearly 310 residential structures exist there, housing around 1,100 people.
“The floodplain stretch of the Yamuna Bazaar ghats, located along the Yamuna within the walled area of Yamuna Bazaar, falls under the O-Zone category. The land belongs to the DDA, and all construction activity in the area is strictly prohibited,” the government.
The government also cited directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), under which the DDA has been asked to take action against encroachments on Yamuna floodplains. Officials said the DDA had already carried out several drives in recent years and reclaimed large portions of land allegedly being used for residential and commercial purposes.
The authorities said the area remains highly vulnerable during floods and is submerged almost every year. The press release specifically referred to the Yamuna floods of 2023 and 2025.
“It has been observed that the area gets submerged during floods in the Yamuna almost every year, particularly during the floods of 2023 and 2025, posing a threat to human life, livestock and property,” the statement said.
The eviction notices have been issued under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. According to officials, 26 notices have so far been served to people occupying the site.
The original notice, issued by the Office of the CEO (DDMA)/Additional District Magistrate, states that the continued occupation of the floodplain area constitutes a “potential disaster risk” requiring immediate preventive and mitigation measures. The notice directs occupants to “vacate the said premises immediately and in any case within 15 days from the date of issuance of this notice.”
Residents have also been asked to remove their belongings and structures voluntarily within the stipulated time.
Warning of strict action in case of non-compliance, the notice states, “Failure to comply with this order shall invite action, including demolition of unauthorised structures and eviction, to be carried out by the authorities concerned without further notice.”
