Tunnel rescue hero rejects DDA’s temporary accommodation offer

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New Delhi, February 29

A day after the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) demolished the house of rat-hole miner Wakeel Hassan, who was part of the Silkyara tunnel rescue operation, the authority extended an offer to temporarily accommodate him and his family.

However, Hassan declined the offer, citing the lack of assurance from the authorities. DDA officials informed him that he would be temporarily accommodated in a guest house in Vasant Kunj and would soon be provided a house in the Govindpuri area. However, he refused the offer as it was only a “verbal assurance”.

DDA officials clarified that Hassan was aware of the encroachment status of his house, which had been previously removed in 2016 but was encroached upon again in 2017. The demolition drive was characterised by the DDA as a routine removal of encroachments on its land, denying any targeting of individuals.

Hassan’s refusal stemmed from the lack of a written commitment from the DDA regarding permanent housing. He stated, “Any offer should be formally documented and not verbal assurances.” The DDA reiterated its stance on encroachments and illegal constructions, emphasising its obligation to maintain planned development land.

The DDA cited previous attempts to remove encroachments on the land, detailing resistance from Hassan’s family during demolition drives in 2018 and 2022. The ongoing legal battle over unauthorised constructions underscores the broader issue of encroachments in Delhi’s unauthorised colonies.

“All these attempts for demolishing this property were well within the knowledge of Hassan and his family and were aware of their status as encroachers,” the DDA said.

“The structures adjoining the site where demolition has been undertaken fall within the boundary of Shri Ram Colony, Rajeev Nagar, Delhi 94, which is notified under the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019, at Sr No. 625, Colony Registration No. 614 of Annexure II of these Regulations,” the DDA added.