The Unseen Crisis: Over 15,000 Yamuna Floodplain Residents Left Homeless After DDA Demolition

In a city that never sleeps, a silent crisis has unfolded as over 15,000 residents of the Yamuna floodplains have been rendered homeless. This mass displacement stretching from Mayur Vihar Phase-1 to the Yamuna River Bridge results from a recent demolition operation by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The aftermath of this event has left a trail of human suffering and an urgent need for relief and rehabilitation.

The DDA, a body responsible for planning, developing, and constructing housing projects, commercial land, and land management, as well as providing public facilities, has been at the centre of this crisis. The reasons behind the DDA’s decision to carry out this demolition operation are yet to be fully understood.

To put things in perspective, let us dwell upon what a ‘flood plain’ is.

A floodplain is an area adjacent to a river or stream that floods during periods of high water, like the rainy season. These regions are crucial to the water supply and water level stability ecosystem, and disturbing them can have severe ecological consequences.

Let us understand why and how the Yamuna Flood Plains are highly beneficial to Delhi and what challenges it faces.

1. Delhi was traditionally developed along the river’s course, which helped the city avoid water scarcity and extreme flooding.

2. Floodplains recharge groundwater and store excess water, acting as natural buffers that slow down water runoff during floods.

3. Floodplains have historically provided affordable housing.

4. Construction on floodplains, including developments like Commonwealth Village, has restricted the river’s natural flow.

The struggle for a place to call home is a standard narrative for many urban dwellers in India. The Yamuna floodplain residents are not alone in their plight. According to a Housing and Land Rights Network report, over 1 million people are displaced annually in India due to urban development projects. This number is expected to rise, with 70% of India’s population expected to live in urban areas by 2030, with as much as 30% of Delhi’s population still living in slums or informal settlements.

Experts say the broader implications of this event are far-reaching, affecting not just the displaced residents but also the city’s approach to urban planning and development. This is a classic case of urban displacement, where the rights of the poor and marginalised are ignored. DDA’s actions are a stark reminder of the need for inclusive urban planning, where the needs of all residents are considered.

Mohammad Haris, the Chief Operations Officer at Shaagird Foundation, explains that this mass displacement results in the establishment of ghettos. He adds, “Due to this, society starts discriminating against those displaced. This seclusion further leads to trust issues, and the lack of resources restricts their earnings and impacts their livelihood.”

These residents’ lack of prior warning or resettlement plans has raised serious questions about the city’s approach to housing rights and urban development. The broader implications of this event are far-reaching, affecting not just the displaced residents but also the city’s approach to urban planning and development.

According to Haris, demolition and displacement of people could have been handled better if the DDA stuck to the court orders. “There is a way to execute such operations. A protocol must be followed, such as advance notification and compensation for those affected. There are rules to keep a check and balance. Still, nowadays, there is an unprecedented way out - the authorities try to punish the marginalised before the court can come to a judgement,” Haris explains. The lack of awareness, literacy, and financial acumen affects those at the bottom of the lune most. Describing how this becomes a bottleneck for citizens, he adds, “Builders and authorities find ways to fool people, so it’s important that we know everything about the land we live on.”

The plight of the Yamuna floodplain residents is a stark reminder of the challenges many urban dwellers face in India. The struggle for a place to call home is a standard narrative for many, and this event has brought it to the forefront. The crisis also presents an opportunity to stimulate a much-needed conversation about urban displacement and housing rights in India. It is a chance to discuss potential solutions and the way forward. Haris suggests implementing strict standard laws to mitigate and prevent such situations from arising in future. “People and institutions with unbiased opinions should be hired and given the responsibility to make and amend laws to benefit all and not just one group,” he emphasises.

The crisis presents an opportunity to discuss potential solutions and the way forward. Moving forward, we require a collaborative effort from urban development authorities, policymakers, and civil society to build sustainable, inclusive cities for all. We also need to rethink our approach to urban planning to ensure that the rights and needs of all residents are considered.

To prevent such mass displacements in the future, we need to adopt inclusive urban planning and provide adequate housing and compensation to displaced residents. Rehabilitation programs for affected residents and community engagement and participation are just as essential to uplift those affected. The social sector plays a vital role in providing short-term relief. Explaining how advocacy groups and social institutions have been of enormous help, Haris highlights several examples, such as Khargone and Mandla in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar Sharif, where institutions like Miles2smile have restored several houses. “But the challenge arises when the long-term things kick in. The government should go hand in hand so that the damages can be compensated,” he concludes.

The crisis on the Yamuna floodplains is a wake-up call for urban development authorities and policymakers. It calls for rethinking our approach to urban planning, for ensuring that the rights and needs of all residents are considered, and for action to ensure that no resident is left without a place to call home.