2 lakh people in Delhi displaced due to CWG: report

At least 2,00,000 people were "forcibly" evicted from their dwellings in the capital in the past six years for infrastructural development for the Commonwealth Games (CWG) without any rehabilation, a study by an NGO claimed today.

According to the report "Planned Dispossession: Forced Evictions and the 2010 Commonwealth Games", forced evictions were carried out across 19 sites in Delhi for the sporting event.

"Based on field works and research, we found out that at least 2,00,000 people in Delhi have been forcibly evicted as a result of CWG. The city, however, witnessed many more demolitions and evictions in the run-up to the Games," the study prepared by Housing and Land Rights Network (HLRN) said.

At none of the sites had people been consulted or included in decision-making processes regarding the demolition of their homes, the report said, alleging that authorities also did not conduct any public hearing about the proposed evictions.

"The CWG-related evictions were carried out in extreme weather conditions, during festivals and prior to school examinations. Authorities demolished many homes across the city when residents were not present; several demolitions took place when people were at work or travelling out of the city," the report alleged.

Releasing the report, former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A P Shah said that the right to shelter and livelihood has even been recognised by the apex court in its judgement.

"In total violation of all human rights recognised by Supreme court and international laws, these slum dwellers were removed," he said.

"Several poor people were without a prior notice forcefully evicted from their so-called slums, without being rehabilitated," said Millon Kothari, executive director of NGO Housing and Land rights Network.

Areas of Gol Dak Khana, Lodhi colony, Pusa road and Chanakyapuri are among the 19 sites listed in the report where "forcible demolition" was undertaken by authorities.

Among them, the report claimed, eight slums were demolished between January 9 and January 13, 2009 during winter season thereby violating the provision of UN Guidelines about appropriate timings of eviction.

The report named Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Lt Governor Tejender Khanna among other government officials accountable for flouting the norms for procedural eviction and violating the human rights of people.

"State agencies have not only taken away the poor people's rights but also their dignity in a brutal manner. It is unfortunate that no action against the responsible government officials has been taken yet," Justice Shah said.