The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandating the demolition of unauthorised construction and encroachments on DDA land within 72 hours of their detection. The new framework is aimed at ensuring swift enforcement through Flying Squad Teams and Quick Response Teams (QRTs), reflecting the authority's renewed focus on preventing illegal construction and protecting public land across the national capital.

According to the DDA, the SOP was issued shortly after Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu chaired a meeting of the DDA Advisory Council, where he directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards encroachments. The authority said the new mechanism is intended to improve coordination among enforcement teams and enable immediate action against illegal structures before they expand or become more difficult to remove.

Under the revised procedure, Flying Squad Teams and Quick Response Teams will be responsible for identifying unauthorised construction, carrying out inspections and initiating demolition within the stipulated 72-hour period. The enforcement drive will also be supported by modern surveillance measures, including drone monitoring and regular field inspections, to improve the detection of fresh encroachments and illegal developments on DDA land.

Also Read: Elon Musk Unfollows Meta AI Chief Alexandr Wang on X, Reason Unclear

The move comes amid growing concerns over illegal construction in Delhi following two recent tragedies that brought the issue into sharp focus. A five-storey building near Saket Metro station in Mehrauli collapsed, claiming six lives, while a fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in Hauz Rani resulted in the deaths of 23 people. The incidents have intensified calls for stricter enforcement of building regulations and timely action against unauthorised structures.

Officials believe that rapid intervention at the initial stage of illegal construction will help prevent large-scale encroachments and reduce the risks associated with unsafe buildings. The DDA has emphasised that the new SOP is designed to strengthen accountability among field officers and ensure that violations are addressed without unnecessary delays. The authority also plans to enhance monitoring to identify fresh encroachments at an early stage.

The latest initiative forms part of the DDA's broader effort to improve urban governance and safeguard public land in Delhi. By combining faster enforcement with technological surveillance and dedicated response teams, the authority aims to curb unauthorised construction more effectively. The implementation of the SOP is expected to play a key role in strengthening compliance with planning regulations and improving public safety across the capital.

Also Read: Pakistan, Afghanistan Dust Clouds Drag Delhi AQI Into Poor Category, Says Air Quality Panel