Delhi High Court's Order to Relocate Bhalswa Dairies Sparks Demolition Clash

The demolition was part of a court directive requiring the dairies to be moved to Ghogha Dairy Colony, located 20 km away, within a four-week timeframe. This order was prompted by worries over the compromised quality of milk due to the cattle’s exposure to landfill waste.

“The MCD’s attempt to demolish the dairy plots was thwarted by the assembly of 10,000 to 15,000 people protesting against the action,” stated an MCD official. “The demolition will be rescheduled for after August 15 when additional security personnel can be deployed.”

The Bhalswa Dairy Colony, established in 1976, has long been a fixture in North Delhi. The demolition aimed to address unauthorized commercial and residential developments on plots originally designated for dairy farming.

An official notice issued by the MCD on August 6 provided a three-day ultimatum to occupants of illegally repurposed dairy plots. The notice highlighted that these plots had been improperly converted for residential, commercial, or industrial use, violating the original terms of allotment.

Residents contended that they were being unfairly penalized for waste management issues related to the Bhalswa landfill, which has been operational since 1994. The MCD’s demolition attempt met with strong opposition at Gujjar Chowk, where local protesters effectively halted the process.

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