O Zone Demolition Notices Trigger Anxiety Among 15 Lakh Residents in Delhi

A growing sense of uncertainty has gripped thousands of families living along the Yamuna floodplain in Delhi after authorities stepped up efforts to clear unauthorized settlements located within the designated O Zone area. The proposed action could affect nearly 15 lakh residents spread across dozens of colonies situated near the river.

The move follows directions issued by the Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal, which have repeatedly stressed the need to protect environmentally sensitive areas along the Yamuna. Acting on these orders, authorities have begun identifying settlements that fall within the restricted zone and have started issuing notices and warning residents about possible demolition drives.

According to the Delhi Master Plan 2021, the floodplain stretch of the Yamuna from Wazirabad to Okhla has been categorized as O Zone. The region extends for roughly 20 to 22 kilometers and includes around 94 colonies such as Jagatpur, Wazirabad, Noor Colony, Milan Vihar, Sangam Vihar and several other residential clusters.

Officials say the primary objective of the O Zone classification is to preserve the river ecosystem, prevent environmental degradation, reduce pollution and maintain the natural flood carrying capacity of the Yamuna. Under these regulations, both temporary and permanent construction activities are prohibited within the protected area.

In a public notice issued on April 30, the Delhi Development Authority stated that unauthorized residential and commercial structures falling outside the scope of the PM UDAY scheme would face removal. Residents were advised to vacate the properties voluntarily, failing which authorities may proceed with enforcement measures. Temporary shelter arrangements have reportedly been planned near Batla House and Sarai Kale Khan for affected families.

The concern among residents intensified further after the Delhi Disaster Management Authority issued separate notices on May 5 to nearly 310 families living around 32 ghats in the Yamuna Bazar area. Officials warned that these locations are highly vulnerable during the monsoon season and face repeated flooding every year, putting lives, livestock and property at risk.

Government records indicate that severe floods in 2023 and 2025 caused significant damage in several floodplain settlements. Authorities argue that annual rescue operations, evacuations and rehabilitation efforts place a considerable burden on public resources and emergency services.

While officials maintain that clearing encroachments is necessary for environmental protection and public safety, many residents remain worried about their future. Concerns have increased because some of the recent notices focus on evacuation and safety measures but do not clearly outline long term rehabilitation arrangements for all affected families.

With authorities continuing their survey and enforcement process, the issue has become one of the most closely watched urban development and environmental challenges in the national capital. The coming weeks are expected to be crucial for thousands of residents living in the Yamuna floodplain region.