Race Course slums face eviction as relocation notices spark livelihood fears

A coterie of cars, ranging from the visually humble to the visibly luxurious, lines the street leading up to the Race Course at Lok Kalyan Marg. Amid the bustle, a cavalry of horses moves in smooth tandem, cantering towards an open ranch in the middle of the parking space. Possibly, in about two weeks’ time, that rhythmic movement may be lost to time.

Regarded as the equestrian haven of the national capital, the area now carries a strange sense of unease among residents. A bulldozer appears only a day away.

Rehabilitation notices issued

The area around the Race Course is flanked by three slum clusters, all of which now face eviction. Older than the republic itself, these settlements stand as a testament to the city’s layered history, with one over a century old and another nearing that mark. Their long presence is now set to end, with demolition scheduled by March 6.

As part of a drive to clear three slum clusters on Race Course Road near the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi, the Centre began issuing rehabilitation notices on February 19. Residents have been asked to vacate and take possession of flats allotted at the DUSIB Colony in Savda Ghevra.

According to a notice issued by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, residents of Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Camp must relocate or face legal action. The notice states that the jhuggi jhopri (JJ) clusters are situated on government land under the jurisdiction of the L&DO. Sources indicate that 717 households have been allotted flats in Savda Ghevra.

The Prime Minister’s residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, lies only a few kilometres from the settlements. Although the New Delhi Municipal Council renamed Race Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg in 2016, official L&DO records continue to list the slums under the original name.

Concerns over livelihoods and distance

Residents say the relocation will cost them their livelihoods and force them to begin again without financial support. Savda Ghevra is nearly 20 km away from their present homes.

Many of the structures in the clusters are permanent concrete constructions that have stood for decades. Residents say they have witnessed both the freedom struggle and India’s independence, and believe their proximity to VIP roads has contributed to the eviction drive.

“We are getting a place to go to but its miles away. It is not just far, it is almost a death sentence. Our livelihoods are based here and, especially for the oens who work at the Race Course and the horse stables, they are essentially being told to look out for themselves,” said Rakesh Bansal, a representative of the slum dwellers.

The stables along the route from the Race Course entrance to Bhai Ram Camp rely heavily on workers from the settlements. Many residents are also employed at nearby hotels and ministries in New Delhi.

“They just want us out of their sight. It is basic clearing up of ourselves and our existence. We will be flung across the capital and we are just expected to withstand the jab. Now it is done, and they expect us to travel for almost four hours to and fro, just to work,” Bansal said.

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Education and infrastructure worries

Residents also question the timing of the eviction, particularly with examinations underway.

Saurav Pal, a vegetable seller, said recent infrastructure upgrades were meant to benefit future occupants rather than current residents. “Whatever we have, this is our dream; we are poor people and we’re managing. But the government is being unfair to us. Before the elections, there were so many dreams that the government would do something — proper water supply and all that. All the arrangements were made, but now they’re saying they’re going to demolish it. They just want the space for their fancy apartments and hotels,” he said.

Amna, a resident of Masjid Camp, said students would be severely affected. “Board exams are on for school students, and around this time college students also start preparing for their end semesters. The government is either being extremely hands off about the entire issue or they just do not care. Because being uprooted from their place of residence while their examinations are on will obviously have a drastic effect on them,” she said.

A neighbourhood with deep roots

At Masjid Camp, a century-old mosque stands as a reminder of the area’s long history, which residents fear may soon disappear. Located beside the Jaipur Polo Ground, the settlements have existed alongside elite sporting and social spaces for decades.

“I remember my father and my grandfather sitting with the Jindals, when they were requesting the residents to keep the road leaving up to the polo ground clear during the season. The Jindals, alongside the royal family from Rajasthan, also got the gate made,” said resident Naseem Khan, pointing to a trident gate with a fleur-de-lys motif.

However, he added that the relationship had changed. “They probably just want us out of here, and get the entire place for themselves. Who knows? It’s a VIP road either way, none of us can do anything. Presently, we do have a case pending at the Delhi High Court, and despite a stay order, we are being kicked out,” he said.

Part of a wider trend

Delhi has, over the past five years, seen several anti-encroachment and demolition drives. While some residents have been rehabilitated, many decline relocation when housing is provided far from workplaces.

According to the Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN), at least 2.8 lakh people were rendered homeless in Delhi in 2023 alone.

The trend continued into 2025, with major clearance drives in Wazirpur, Ashok Vihar (including Jailorwala Bagh), and Bhoomiheen Camp in the first half of the year.

These actions displaced more than 27,000 individuals from about nine acres of land, underscoring the continuing tension between urban development and the security of the city’s poorest residents.