The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) carried out a demolition drive in southeast Delhi’s Kalindi Kunj area, removing several under-construction structures that it said had come up illegally on the Yamuna floodplain’s ecologically sensitive O-Zone, where fresh construction is prohibited.

A senior MCD official said the action was limited to newly built and under-construction structures. “Only under-construction structures on the floodplain are being demolished,” the official said, adding that the anti-encroachment drive would continue. The official also noted that most drives in the O-Zone are carried out by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), with the MCD providing assistance.

The demolition was conducted with the support of the Delhi Police amid security deployment. The structures, according to the official, were part of a slum cluster in the Khadar region.

The action comes weeks after the Delhi High Court reiterated that no fresh construction can be permitted in the Yamuna floodplain’s O-Zone. In an order dated May 23, the court observed that residential colonies in the area were “completely impermissible” and directed authorities to ensure that no new construction takes place, including under the guise of repairs or renovation. However, it noted that 91 unauthorised colonies in the O-Zone are protected from demolition until December 31, 2026, under the Delhi Special Provisions Act.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta last week said the court’s directions apply only to new constructions and not to existing structures covered under legal protection.

MCD Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma said surveys of unauthorised constructions and buildings violating permissible height norms had been intensified following recent incidents. “Strict action will be taken based on the survey. Anyone without a valid licence or found violating MCD rules will face action,” she said.

According to the Revenue Department’s daily inspection report, 42 sites were inspected across Delhi on Tuesday, taking the total number surveyed between June 5 and June 16 to 815. During the day, 13 demolition notices were issued, action was taken against illegal constructions at 13 properties, five premises were sealed, and 25 show-cause notices were issued. Since the crackdown began, the MCD has carried out 230 demolitions and sealed 242 properties across the city.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party alleged that demolitions in O-Zone areas were continuing despite assurances from BJP leaders and demanded that the Centre enact a law to provide legal protection to residents of the 91 colonies.