Deadline nears, Aravalli demolitions put on hold

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, June 29

The demolition drive at Khori village is yet to be initiated even as three of the six weeks given by the Supreme Court to raze illegal structures have passed.

“Notices have been issued to the residents of 6,500-odd structures, but the exact date and time of the demolition has not been worked out. The authorities want to give ample time to the residents to vacate premises on their own so that there is little resistance at the time of razing the structures,” an official said.

“We want to avoid any kind of showdown with the residents at a time when we are all dealing with the pandemic. People are being given enough time to move out safely,’’ the official said.

Pritam, a Khori resident who has shifted to a rented accommodation in Delhi, said, “We want the government to consider a rehabilitation scheme. BKU leader Gurnam Singh Charuni is expected to visit the area on June 30 to support our cause.”

Another resident Rajesh claimed at least 60 per cent of the residents were adamant on staying.

Sanjay Joon, Divisional Commissioner, said the Supreme Court order would be enforced and the demolition might take place any time soon.