The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has intensified its activities in combating illegal construction across various locations in the city. This initiative, executed in accordance with the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, aims to dismantle structures erected without the requisite permissions. In the latest round of operations on July 29, 2026, MCD officials demolished 14 properties identified as illegally constructed and sealed one additional site for breaching building regulations.

As part of this ongoing initiative, the MCD has issued 16 show-cause notices to owners of properties under scrutiny, demanding explanations as to why enforcement actions should not be proceeded with against them. Since the commencement of these operations on June 1, 2026, MCD has successfully demolished a total of 681 unauthorised properties and sealed 398 others. Legal proceedings have also been initiated against numerous individuals for alleged violations of building norms.

The organisation emphasised that illegal construction not only violates laws but also poses threats to public safety. Such constructions can disrupt orderly city planning and create concerns for residents in adjacent areas. The MCD has committed to continuing its crackdown on any further violations that may come to light.

Civic Body Issues Advisory for Compliance with Building Regulations

In light of ongoing enforcement actions, the MCD has urged citizens to refrain from commencing any construction work without securing the appropriate approvals from the designated authorities. The MCD reiterated the importance of adhering to regulations and obtaining all necessary permissions prior to initiating any building projects.

These efforts to regulate construction activities aim to reinforce community safety and ensure compliance with established urban planning protocols. The MCD’s warning is part of a broader strategy to eliminate illegal constructions that compromise public wellbeing and city infrastructure.

In tandem with the MCD’s operations, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated that the Delhi government expedite the removal of encroachments from forest areas in Sadulajab, Saket. The Tribunal ordered that this action be carried out within a four-month timeframe, ensuring adherence to legal standards and the principles of natural justice.

NGT Directives on Forest Land Encroachments

Following the disclosure that challenges to previous demolition proceedings had concluded, the NGT moved to dispose of the matter. This action was taken in light of applications made under the Indian Forest Act being dismissed by the Forest Settlement Officer. A bench, consisting of Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, presided over the proceedings after receiving an application from the Corruption Removal Society, which reported extensive encroachments by land mafias leading to significant deforestation of nearly 50 per cent of the forest area.

The Tribunal acknowledged findings from a Joint Committee established in May 2024, which indicated that the actual forest land available for use was substantially less than what was documented in official revenue records. This committee’s report also highlighted significant loss of tree canopy, illegal building extensions, damaged boundary walls, and the presence of permanent structures on forest land, alongside accumulations of waste negatively impacting local wildlife habitats.

During the proceedings, a representative for the Government of NCT of Delhi informed the Tribunal about prior challenges to demolition notices, citing a directive from the Delhi High Court. This directive required that a demarcation report be provided, allowing affected parties to seek recourse under the Indian Forest Act. The High Court’s further orders cited on May 7, 2026, had led to the dismissal of these applications, clearing the way for the anticipated removal of encroachments.

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