200 Shops Removed at Delhi’s Sarojini Market
Delhi’s iconic Sarojini Nagar Market, famed for its budget shopping and bustling atmosphere, has undergone a dramatic transformation after the removal of nearly 200 shops and stalls in a sweeping anti-encroachment drive. The action, which unfolded late at night, has triggered both official justification and widespread outrage among traders and shoppers.
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The Mega Encroachment Removal Drive
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On the night of May 17, 2025, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in coordination with the Delhi Police, launched a large-scale operation targeting unauthorized vendors and encroachments within Sarojini Nagar Market. The drive began around 11 pm and continued into the early hours, with bulldozers and enforcement teams clearing stalls, makeshift shops, and extensions from footpaths and market lanes.
According to officials, the primary goal was to reclaim public space, restore pedestrian movement, and enhance cleanliness and safety in one of Delhi’s most congested shopping hubs. The NDMC stated that unauthorized hawkers and obstructions were making the market difficult to navigate and compromising public convenience.
Scenes of Chaos and Resistance
The operation was marked by scenes of chaos as vendors scrambled to salvage their goods, carrying tables and merchandise on their heads or loading belongings onto tempos. Videos shared on social media by the police showed dozens of officers clearing the market, while stunned traders looked on.
Traders’ associations, however, have condemned the drive. Many claimed that the demolition was carried out without prior notice or official documentation, and alleged that even some authorized shops were damaged in the process. Ashok Randhawa, president of the Sarojini Nagar Mini Traders Association, reported that hoardings and parts of legitimate shops were broken, and that the market’s footfall had dropped by 50% in the days following the drive.
“This is wrong on NDMC’s part. We have been seeking an appointment with the chairperson but there is no response… Instead of illegal encroachers, the authorities have heavily come down on traders who had temporary stalls which were folded back at night,” said Randhawa.
A Longstanding Issue
Sarojini Nagar Market, established in 1951, has long struggled with issues of illegal expansions, encroachments, and safety violations. The market is divided into several sections, including the main market, Babu Market, Mini Market, and a street vendors’ zone. While authorities have cited persistent fire risks and congestion due to unauthorized structures, traders argue that bureaucratic delays have hindered efforts to legalize certain extensions and that they are being unfairly targeted.
Public Reaction and Official Defense
The demolition drive has sharply divided opinion. While some citizens and officials support the move as necessary for public safety and accessibility, many traders and shoppers see it as heavy-handed and disruptive. The NDMC and Delhi Police have defended the action, emphasizing the need for cleanliness, order, and open public spaces in the market.
Looking Ahead
The removal of nearly 200 shops has left a visible mark on Sarojini Nagar Market, both physically and socially. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between urban development, public order, and the livelihoods of small traders in one of Delhi’s most beloved shopping destinations. As authorities continue their efforts to keep urban spaces free from encroachments, the debate over how to balance regulation with economic opportunity is far from over.