Bulldozers move into Sainik Farms
A major crackdown on illegal buildings took place in Sainik Farms on Sunday after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered action. Bulldozers demolished unauthorised structures as part of the BJP government's effort to enforce building and fire safety rules in an area known for repeated violations.
Following the chief minister's orders, teams from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) focused on several illegal buildings in the Khanpur area. The campaign, which picked up after the Hauz Rani fire tragedy, started on June 1. Since then, officials have flagged 124 properties across the city, demolished 94 structures, and sealed 114 more.
In South Delhi, 41 operations have taken place in areas like Said-ul-Ajaib, Hauz Rani, Khirki Extension, Savitri Nagar, Khanpur, Sainik Farms, and Gautam Nagar. Officials said violations in Sainik Farms included illegal additions, basements converted into guesthouses and B&Bs, and extensions built without approval.
The colony was first intended for defence personnel, but has become an area of farmhouses and luxury villas. Many of these buildings have ignored fire safety rules, a recurring concern after several incidents.
"The government is taking strong action against unauthorised construction, encroachments, and violations of fire safety norms," the chief minister said and emphasised the need for a long-term solution to stop illegal activity. Her office described the Sainik Farms operation as a clear message that all neighbourhoods, regardless of status, will be treated equally.
The crackdown is politically important. Sainik Farms has a long history of illegal construction, and previous High Court orders have had little effect.
During the previous AAP government, enforcement was often seen as selective. Gupta's administration is showing zero tolerance, which is a change from the past. Videos on social media of bulldozers at work have gained support from law-abiding citizens but have worried property owners.
Many residents, who are wealthy and well-connected, now face a different situation. "This is not politics; this is governance," a senior MCD official said anonymously. "Court orders, safety norms and public interest cannot be ignored anymore."
In addition to demolitions, new surveys are being conducted to identify further violations, and warnings are being issued regarding action against the use of residential plots for business purposes. The government says this campaign is part of a bigger plan to improve the city.
As bulldozers prepare for the next phase, the CM's office makes it clear that ignoring violations is no longer an option. For a city that has faced preventable disasters, today's action in Sainik Farms could be the beginning of real accountability. People in Delhi are watching to see if this effort continues.
