For residents living in three slum clusters – Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp and Masjid Camp – near the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, the prospect of moving to Savda Ghevra, nearly 45 km away in north-west Delhi, is fraught with uncertainty. Many fear losing their livelihoods, access to health care and community support systems.

The Land and Development Office had issued eviction notices to hundreds of families in these jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters in October 2025, asking them to vacate the land. The residents went to court, which directed compliance with the due process. In February this year, the authorities issued a final notice asking residents to vacate by March 6.

On June 15, the Delhi High Court provided interim relief to the JJ cluster residents, directing the authorities not to demolish until July 1 the houses of those who have neither vacated nor accepted alternative accommodation.

While the Delhi government has allotted flats to 717 eligible families in the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board colony at Savda Ghevra under its 2015 rehabilitation policy, many residents are apprehensive about having to start all over again.

Staying put

In the narrow lanes of these settlements, residents could be heard discussing relocation plans amid the looming threat of demolition. While some families have shifted their belongings to the allotted flats, most continue to live in their old homes.

“We have sent our belongings to the flat in Savda Ghevra, but are yet to shift,” said a DID Camp resident.

Residents argue that the resettlement site threatens their means of survival. Many work within a 5-km radius of their current homes as domestic workers or drivers in nearby government offices. “Our workplaces are close by. If we move, we will lose our jobs,” said Sarovar Kumar, 45, who has lived in the area for 25 years.

“We have received the allotment, but our only source of income is the shop we run here, so we haven’t moved,” said Gohar Siddiqui, 28, a resident of Masjid Camp.

Essential services

Access to essential services remains another key concern. “My son has breathing issues and requires frequent hospital visits. That will not be possible there as there is no hospital nearby,” said Asma.

The residents also raised concerns over disruption in children’s education. “Some of our children are in Class 12, and we want them to continue their studies without interruption,” another resident said.

Safety, particularly for women, was cited as an additional worry. “We have heard that the area is unsafe. We are concerned about our safety and that of our daughters,” said Jyoti Samial, 46, a resident of Bhai Ram Camp.

Residents said they are not opposed to relocation but want rehabilitation that ensures access to livelihoods and basic services.\

(With inputs from Anisha Jyotirmayee)