Over 30,000 demolitions in Delhi in five years, 20,643 people affected: Rajya Sabha told

Since 2019, a total of 33,477 demolitions have been executed by various agencies in the national capital, affecting 20,643 people, according to information provided to the Rajya Sabha.

Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, said in a written reply that 16,138 demolitions were conducted in 2023 alone, with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) responsible for demolishing 11,060 residential structures and 23 commercial units.

Also Read: Delhi: Fate of night shelter, which doubles as recovery centre for homeless, hangs in balance

The breakdown of demolitions over the years is as follows: 4,804 in 2019, 2,967 in 2020, 2,927 in 2021, 4,017 in 2022, 16,138 in 2023, and 2,624 in 2024 (up to now). The minister noted that approximately 20,643 individuals have been impacted by these demolitions, based on available records.

From 2019 onward, the DDA has conducted a total of 256 demolition operations in the national capital, reclaiming 316.72 acres of land.

According to a written response to a query by AAP MP Sanjay Singh, the DDA carried out 20 demolition programs in 2019, 13 in 2020, 23 in 2021, 47 in 2022, 88 in 2023, and 65 in 2024 (so far). (With inputs from PTI)