MK Stalin writes to Delhi CM Rekha Gupta over demolition of Madrasi camp, seeks relief for displaced Tamil families

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has written to Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, expressing deep concern over the humanitarian crisis following the demolition of Madrasi Camp in South East Delhi’s Jangpura on June 1.

The demolition displaced 370 Tamil-origin families who had been living in the area for decades.

In his letter, Stalin urged immediate steps to alleviate the distress faced by these families, many of whom have contributed significantly to Delhi’s economy and society.

In his letter, Stalin urged immediate steps to mitigate the distress faced by these families, many of whom have lived and worked in Delhi for decades.

“I wish to draw your urgent attention to the humanitarian crisis precipitated by the demolition of Jangpura’s Madrasi Camp on 1st June 2025. This has rendered 370 Tamil-origin families, who for decades have contributed significantly to Delhi’s economy, homeless and destitute. As per the Hon’ble Delhi High Court’s orders, a joint survey certified 189 families as eligible for EWS flats. The Hon’ble High Court had also directed the Government agencies (DDA and DUSIB) to complete all essential services like water, electricity, sanitation, internal roads, drainage and street lighting in Pockets G-7 and G-8, Narela where the alternative accommodation has been provided. The Court further mandated the Delhi Government to ensure immediate admissions for displaced children in nearby Government and MCD schools, establish Primary Healthcare Centres and Fair-Price Shops, and arrange requisite DTC and Metro transport links in accordance with the 2016 policy,” Stalin wrote.

Stalin further expressed concern over the plight of 189 EWS families allotted flats in Narela, which remain uninhabitable due to incomplete essential services. Stalin noted that 181 other families remain homeless without alternative accommodation.

“Regrettably, although 189 families have been formally allotted EWS flats in Narela, the units remain unfit for occupation owing to incomplete provision of essential services. These sites lie nearly 20 kilometres from many beneficiaries’ places of work, yet no dedicated transport services have been provided. Moreover, educational arrangements for over 150 Tamil-medium children have not been implemented in accordance with the Court’s directives. In the absence of these amenities, household earners-particularly women-remain unemployed and students face imminent disruption to their studies, compounding the dislocation distress of this vulnerable community. The remaining 181 families have not been provided any alternative accommodation and have been left homeless,” he wrote.

The Tamil Nadu CM further demanded government attention over the situation, saying, “I strongly urge your Government to act immediately to relieve the hardship of the displaced families by completing and handing over the 189 EWS flats in full shape to the entitled families, fast-tracking community infrastructure, and providing dedicated transport services.”

He further pointed out more crises that need to be addressed, demanding, “To extend EWS housing eligibility under the Slum & JJ Rehabilitation Policy by granting a special-case relaxation of income ceilings, domicile requirements, and deposit obligations to the remaining 181 displaced families.

To establish provisional Tamil-medium schooling by sanctioning a temporary DTEA school at Pocket G-7 with immediate enrolment and dedicated transport, or by authorising Tamil instruction at a nearby MCD school with reserved seats and interim transport until permanent facilities are ready. To mobilise livelihood support through targeted vocational training and micro-enterprise grants, especially for the displaced women.”

He also highlighted that while 189 families were allotted EWS flats in Narela, the units remain uninhabitable due to incomplete essential services like water, electricity, and sanitation. The lack of transport links and Tamil-medium schooling for over 150 children, along with the absence of alternative housing for 181 families, has exacerbated the crisis.

The demolition at Madrasi Camp was carried out on June 1 as authorities acted on court orders to clear encroachments along the Barapulla drain.
The operation was carried out to resolve the flooding issues caused by the narrowed drain, which obstructs water flow during heavy rains.

Out of the 370 encroachments demolished, 189 residents were deemed eligible for resettlement and allocated flats in Narela, while 181 were ineligible.

On June 1, Anil Banka, District Magistrate of South East Delhi, on the ongoing demolition drive at Madrasi Camp in the Jangpura area, said, “This action is being carried out as per the court’s orders, and we are removing the encroachments solely based on those directives. The Barapulla drain had become narrow, hindering its cleaning and causing issues with water flow. During heavy rains, flooding spreads across the area due to these obstructions. The matter was under consideration in court, which has now permitted us to proceed with the removal starting today. We have also allotted flats in Narela to all eligible residents affected by this drive.”

He further said, “Notices regarding the encroachments were already given to residents, and until now, 370 illegal encroachments have been demolished. While 189 are eligible for resettlement, 181 are not eligible.” (ANI)