Following the directives of Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on zero-tolerance towards encroachment, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for 14 Flying Squad Teams and four Quick Response Teams. This move aims to enhance the agency’s enforcement capabilities in safeguarding government land and preventing unauthorized constructions and encroachments. The SOP, in line with L-G Sandhu’s instructions, incorporates the use of modern technologies such as drone-based inspections when necessary.
The new framework also integrates field verification with the Vacant Land Monitoring System (VLMS) to facilitate regular updates of land records, verification of vacant plots post-demolition, and continuous monitoring to deter re-encroachment. To ensure real-time, technology-driven monitoring as per the Lieutenant Governor’s directives, 14 dedicated Flying Squad Teams have been established across DDA’s zones for systematic field inspections covering their respective jurisdictions on a routine basis. These teams will promptly identify unauthorized constructions and encroachments, ascertain land ownership and status, document violations using geo-tagged photographs with timestamps, and submit reports for immediate enforcement actions.
Under the updated arrangement, four Quick Response Teams will swiftly carry out demolition and removal operations upon identifying violations and completing necessary legal procedures. The SOP sets specific timelines and assigns clear responsibilities to field officers, enhancing administrative accountability and expediting enforcement procedures. The Quick Response Teams are tasked with demolishing unauthorized constructions and encroachments, submitting demolition reports with geo-tagged before-and-after photos on the same day, conducting videography of demolition exercises as needed, and ensuring the placement of DDA ownership boards at the sites.
After the demolition and clearance of unauthorized structures, the relevant field units will maintain continuous monitoring and protection of the land to effectively prevent re-encroachment.
