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Following a 2023 petition, the GDA has demanded demolition of 172 homes in Rajendra Nagar, alleging that the long-standing colony occupies former parkland. The NGT has required a detailed action report by late July, with the next hearing scheduled for 29 August. While authorities defend their actions based on a government-directed survey, residents argue that official approvals were granted decades earlier. The development highlights ongoing tensions between urban growth, environmental mandates, and housing rights in Ghaziabad.
The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has issued directives to 172 homeowners in Babu Jagjivan Ram Colony, Rajendra Nagar, ordering them to demolish their houses. The authority has claimed that this settlement was established on approximately 2,864 sq m of land originally designated as park space nearly five decades ago. A 15 day deadline has been set for voluntary removal, after which the GDA intends to carry out demolitions. Advertisement
A petition filed in 2023 prompted the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to compel the GDA to assess encroachments. A GDA official explained that the petition referenced illegal roads constructed by industrial units; however, after a 2024 meeting chaired by the chief secretary, comprehensive demolitions-targeting structures, roads, industrial constructions on parkland-were sanctioned. Notices have now been issued accordingly.
The petitioner, Sushil Raghav, stated that he had only highlighted industrial violations in his petition. He maintained that a 1962 layout approval included parkland, yet his complaint did not mention the housing colony. He attributed the GDA's action to a post-petition survey, aimed to satisfy the NGT bench.
During an NGT hearing, government counsel referred to a review meeting to be chaired by the chief secretary on 13 July. They added that an action-taken report must be submitted within three weeks, with the next hearing slated for 29 August. GDA's intent to proceed before that date remains unclear.
Long-established residents voiced deep concern, questioning the sudden declaration of illegality after half a century. One resident remarked that many original buyers have since passed away, prompting demands for accountability from authorities and wondering where families will relocate.
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