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?”
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
