Sarojini Nagar Market is undoubtedly one of the most popular markets in Delhi. Known for offering everything from home decor items to apparel at highly affordable prices, it is thronged by people in large numbers from around the city. However, as a part of a mega anti-encroachment drive, around 200 shops were demolished in the market. Here’s what happened at this popular market in Delhi.
150+ Unauthorised Shops Removed From Sarojini Nagar Market
Sarojini Nagar Market hardly needs any introduction to Delhiites. A market that’s famous for offering everything from apparel to kitchen utensils and other utility items, it has many shops that are both big and small. And as a part of the Mega Encroachment Removal Drive, around 200 shops were removed. As revealed on X, this was a joint operation between the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Police. They carried out this Mega Encroachment Removal Drive on the night of May 17, which was a Saturday. During the drive, unauthorised vendors and their encroachments were cleared. This has been undertaken to reclaim the space for people to walk, as the market becomes quite congested due to less space.
More About The Anti-Encroachment Drive
A joint encroachment removal drive was carried out by staff of PS Sarojini Nagar & @tweetndmc in Sarojini Nagar Market.
Efforts focused on restoring pedestrian movement & cleanliness for a safer and accessible market environment. @LtGovDelhi@CMODelhi@CPDelhi#DPUpdates pic.twitter.com/uCP8jZGt6l
— DCP South West District (@dcp_southwest) May 20, 2025
It is believed that about 150 to 200 shops were removed from the footpath and market areas. However, traders claim that even some authorised shops were damaged during the drive, and the drive was carried out at 1 AM without any official order. In fact, some videos were also shared on X by the official channels. In one such video, police can be seen clearing the market. And vendors walked out of the market area, carrying their tables and other thingson their heads, while some loaded them onto a tempo.
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The reason why this demolition has been carried out is to remove unauthorised hookers and obstruction. These affect the pedestrian movement in the market and also make the area dirty. So, keeping cleanliness and public convenience at the forefront, this drive was carried out.
What do you think about this drive? Have you been to Sarojini Market recently? Do let us know about your thoughts in the comments below.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/tweetndmc
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