Testimonies at a public hearing in the wake of preparations for the G20 summit, where representatives from Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Indore, Udaipur, apart from different bastis in Delhi, have revealed "harrowing experiences of forced evictions", a report prepared by the organisers identifying themselves as Concerned Citizens of India has claimed.
Released at at the Foreign Correspondents' Club in Delhi, the report, titled "The Forced Evictions Across India and G20 Events", said, "The testimonials presented during the hearing revealed shocking instances of brutality inflicted upon the affected communities by the authorities." The public hearing was earlier organised at the Surjeet Bhawan in Delhi.
Among those who addressed media included senior journalist Pamela Philipose, human rights activist Harsh Mander, former deputy mayor of Shimla Tikender Panwar and community leaders Shakeel Abdul and Akbar.
Harsh Mander, a former IAS bureaucrat, said, "The distressing events raise profound questions about the lack of basic compassion exhibited by the government. The complete absence of prior notices and the ruthless demolition of houses point to a severe disregard for human rights."
"The notion that these informal settlements are illegal is used as an excuse to deny these individuals their rights and entitlements. As a G20 delegate coming to India, I would expect to witness a society where the poor have access to their rights and entitlements, rather than witnessing their suffering in hidden corners,” he added.
One of the most "distressing instances" of forced evictions discussed in the report is the demolition of homeless shelters in the Yamuna Pushta area in Delhi. In the month of March, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) demolished eight of its own shelters near the Yamuna floodplains, leaving the homeless with no option but to live on the streets, the report said.
The shelter at Sarai Kale Khan has also been removed, apparently because a park has been constructed nearby, a venue to which G20 dignitaries will be brought.
Pamela Philipose said, “Even in harsh weather conditions, people are being rendered homeless, without any thought given to their well-being. It is disheartening to think that in September, when India will be projected as a rising star, the government has failed to consider the ramifications of their actions. It is ironic that the same government seeks votes from these very people who are left suffering and ignored.”
In Nagpur, in the context of the G20 inauguration, bastis are being hidden behind iron sheets covered with plastic grass so that they appear “green”, the report said.
Pamela Philipose said, “Even in harsh weather conditions, people are being rendered homeless, without any thought given to their well-being. It is disheartening to think that in September, when India will be projected as a rising star, the government has failed to consider the ramifications of their actions. It is ironic that the same government seeks votes from these very people who are left suffering and ignored.”
In Nagpur, in the context of the G20 inauguration, bastis are being hidden behind iron sheets covered with plastic grass so that they appear “green”, the report said.
Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board demolished eight of its own shelters near Yamuna floodplains
Puja from Bela Estate, Delhi, said, “We were given 3 hours to pack our things which were next to impossible. In a month’s time, bulldozers were unleashed on us thrice. They first broke the hand pumps so we would have to leave immediately since no one can survive without water. We now live under the flyover. It is very difficult for children to study and carry on with their education. Many students missed their board's exam due to the eviction that took place on 29th April.”
Tikender Panwar, the former deputy Mayor of Simla said, “Despite interventions like the Smart City Mission and Swachh Bharat, it is disheartening to witness the lack of significant policy changes at the national level. Indian cities possess unique characteristics that require tailored solutions. Unfortunately, the response has been the expulsion of the urban poor from these spaces.”
Shakeel Abdul from Basti Suraksha Manch said, “An alarming number of approximately 250,000 to 300,000 individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes in the Yamuna floodplains, Tughlaqabad, and Bela state due to the preparations for the G20 summit.”
Akbar from Basti Suraksha Manch, said, “Lack of sympathy towards informal settlements. The police have erected barricades, cutting off all access roads to these settlements. Previously, the bulldozing of these bastis would occur around 10 am. However, the authorities have changed their tactics, now arriving as early as 4 in the morning to carry out demolitions. By the time any legal stay orders are issued, the settlements have already been razed to the ground, leaving the residents helpless and without any recourse.”
"These narratives underscore the urgent need for compassionate and inclusive policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of the urban poor. The government must address these systemic issues and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind in the pursuit of development", the report noted.
Tikender Panwar, the former deputy Mayor of Simla said, “Despite interventions like the Smart City Mission and Swachh Bharat, it is disheartening to witness the lack of significant policy changes at the national level. Indian cities possess unique characteristics that require tailored solutions. Unfortunately, the response has been the expulsion of the urban poor from these spaces.”
Shakeel Abdul from Basti Suraksha Manch said, “An alarming number of approximately 250,000 to 300,000 individuals have been forcibly displaced from their homes in the Yamuna floodplains, Tughlaqabad, and Bela state due to the preparations for the G20 summit.”
Akbar from Basti Suraksha Manch, said, “Lack of sympathy towards informal settlements. The police have erected barricades, cutting off all access roads to these settlements. Previously, the bulldozing of these bastis would occur around 10 am. However, the authorities have changed their tactics, now arriving as early as 4 in the morning to carry out demolitions. By the time any legal stay orders are issued, the settlements have already been razed to the ground, leaving the residents helpless and without any recourse.”
"These narratives underscore the urgent need for compassionate and inclusive policies that prioritize the rights and well-being of the urban poor. The government must address these systemic issues and ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are not left behind in the pursuit of development", the report noted.
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