Families living for over 45 years in Indira Colony appeal to authorities as the administration gives three days’ notice for demolition
NEW DELHI/SAHARANPUR — Residents of Indira Colony in the Uttar Pradesh city of Saharanpur are living in fear as the local administration on Saturday gave them a three-day notice to vacate their homes or face bulldozers. Nearly 300 homes, predominantly belonging to Muslims, are now facing the increasing threat of dislocation. Those served notice include approximately 80 built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The development has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many questioning the legality of the action and their future. According to residents, Indira Colony has existed for 45 to 50 years, and was originally established by a Congress MLA decades ago. Families have lived in the area for generations, raising children, paying local taxes, and contributing to the social fabric of Saharanpur. Now, with the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department claiming the land, residents face the possibility of losing their homes and livelihoods.
“We have been living here all our lives,” said Mohammad Akram, a resident of the Colony. “Now suddenly, we are being told that our homes are illegal. Many of us built these houses under the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme, with government support. How can these houses be illegal?”
The community describes the impending bulldozer action as a source of sleepless nights and constant anxiety. Residents say they have received just three days’ notice to vacate, a period they argue is far too short to pursue any legal remedies or make alternative arrangements.
“Three days are not enough,” said Shabana Begum, another resident. “Some of us have nowhere else to go. We need time to seek legal help. Our children study here, our families live here. How can the government expect us to leave in such a short time?”
According to local accounts, the colony is home to families who are largely financially weak. Many have invested their savings to renovate their homes and make them livable, especially under the PMAY, which aims to provide safe housing to the economically disadvantaged.
“I spent almost all my savings to improve my house under the PMAY scheme,” said Rashid Khan, a father of three. “Now they are telling me that my house is illegal. I feel helpless. This scheme was supposed to help people like me, not leave us homeless.”
The Irrigation Department claims that the land occupied by Indira Colony belongs to the department and that the residents have illegally occupied it. A department spokesperson stated, “This land has always been under the jurisdiction of the Irrigation Department. People have constructed homes without permission. We are following proper legal procedures.”
However, residents argue that if the land were truly illegal, the department would have acted decades ago. “If this land was illegal, why did the department remain silent for 45 years?” questioned Mohammad Akram. “We have documents, old receipts, and records proving our ownership or at least long-term residence. How can we be suddenly labelled illegal occupants?”
Local community leaders have expressed concern over the administration’s approach, emphasising the human cost of the demolitions. “These families have been living here for generations,” said Syed Hasan Ali, a community leader. “Forcing them out within three days will create immense hardship. Many are daily wage earners. Many have invested in houses under government housing schemes. We appeal to the authorities to reconsider and allow residents a fair hearing.”
Residents have also raised questions about the legal process. They argue that demolishing houses without providing adequate time for legal recourse violates principles of justice and fairness. “We need time to approach the courts,” said Fazila Bano, a local activist. “These families cannot be evicted overnight. There are children, elderly people, and women living here. The administration should give them an opportunity to present their case legally.”
The Irrigation Department, however, has maintained its position, stating that the demolition will proceed after three days, unless residents vacate voluntarily. “We are not against the residents,” said a department official. “But the land belongs to the government. Legal procedures must be followed. Notices have been served, and people have been given time to vacate.”
Residents have appealed directly to higher authorities, urging them to prevent the looming homelessness crisis. “We request the administration to understand our plight,” said Shabana Begum. “We are not trying to break the law. We have lived here for decades. If there is any problem, let us resolve it legally. Please do not make us homeless.”
Several other similar cases have been reported across Uttar Pradesh, where the Irrigation Department has claimed land previously occupied by communities. For instance, the Jamia Nagar area in Delhi is currently the subject of a legal battle over land claimed by government departments, creating further anxiety among residents of Indira Colony.
Indira Colony has a long history. Established nearly half a century ago, it has been a hub for working-class families and small traders in Saharanpur. Over the years, residents have developed the area, contributed to civic life, and paid local taxes, all of which complicates the question of legality.
“This colony is not just land; it is our life, our history, our identity,” said Rashid Khan. “We grew up here. Our parents lived here. Asking us to leave suddenly is like erasing our existence.”
Of particular concern are the 80 homes built under the PM Housing Scheme, which is meant to provide affordable housing to economically weaker sections. Residents question how homes sanctioned under a central government scheme can be suddenly labelled illegal.
“We followed every rule to build our houses,” said Fazila Bano. “We registered for the PMAY, received approvals, and invested our savings. How can these houses now be destroyed? It is unfair and heartbreaking.”
Community leaders argue that demolishing these homes not only violates the rights of residents but also undermines government welfare schemes intended to support them.
The human cost of these demolitions is immense. Many residents are elderly or dependent on daily wages. Losing homes overnight could lead to economic instability, displacement, and emotional trauma.
Women, in particular, have voiced concerns about safety and security if their families are forced to move suddenly. “We fear for our children and ourselves,” said Shabana Begum. “We cannot find safe accommodation in three days. The administration must understand our plight.”
Local politicians have also weighed in. Opposition leaders have accused the state government and Irrigation Department of neglecting residents’ rights while pursuing bureaucratic interests. “These families have lived here for decades,” said a local Congress leader. “It is cruel to treat them as illegal occupants suddenly. The government should seek dialogue rather than bulldozers.”
Community leaders are calling for a moratorium on the demolition and an immediate dialogue with authorities. “We do not oppose the law,” said Syed Hasan Ali. “We want legal clarity. Let the administration verify our documents and long-term residence. But do not destroy homes of poor families without a fair hearing.”
Experts also point out that forced demolitions without adequate notice can lead to legal complications and social unrest.
As the three-day deadline approaches, residents of Indira Colony remain anxious, hopeful, and determined to protect their homes. They continue to document their residency papers, historical documents, and PMAY approvals to make a strong case for remaining in their homes.
“We have lived here for generations,” said Rashid Khan. “We only want justice, not sympathy. Let the government listen to us and give us a fair chance.”
The coming days will be critical in determining the fate of 300 families, including 80 who benefited from government housing schemes. The situation in Indira Colony reflects a larger debate about land rights, urban planning, and the rights of long-term residents in India.
Authorities have yet to issue a statement indicating whether the demolition may be postponed or if alternative solutions will be considered. Meanwhile, residents continue their appeals, hoping that humanity, justice, and legal fairness prevail over bureaucratic action.
The case of Indira Colony highlights the challenges faced by financially weak, long-term residents in navigating urban land disputes. While the Irrigation Department maintains legal claims, the human cost of rapid eviction is immense. Families, many of whom have invested decades of labour and government support into their homes, face an uncertain future.
As one resident put it, “We are not asking for charity. We are asking for fairness, time, and recognition of our lives here. If the law is just, it should protect us, not punish us.”
The unfolding situation in Saharanpur serves as a cautionary tale for authorities and policymakers across the country, highlighting the need for sensitive handling of urban land disputes, especially when vulnerable communities and government welfare schemes are involved.
