To curb unauthorized construction, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) launched an anti-encroachment campaign in the Khajuri Khas area on Wednesday. Among the properties targeted was the home of Wakeel Hassan, renowned for his heroic efforts in rescuing 41 individuals from the Silkyara tunnel collapse in Uttarakhand.
What did Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor say?
Expressing concern over the demolition of Hassan’s residence, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena assured that compensation would be provided to the esteemed ‘rat hole miner’. Furthermore, plans are underway to allocate a new dwelling for Hassan within Delhi itself.
He said, “I have been told about it and we will definitely compensate. He will be provided a house too.”
VIDEO | Here's what Delhi LG VK Saxena (@LtGovDelhi) said on the house of Wakeel Hassan, a rat-hole miner feted for saving the 41 workers trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel with his team last year in November, being razed during a demolition drive by the DDA.
"I have been… pic.twitter.com/b88y4EQ8c7
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 29, 2024
Background:
During a recent demolition operation conducted by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Khajoori Khas, the house of Wakeel Hassan, a rat-hole miner who played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 trapped workers in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel last year, was also demolished. The DDA justified the drive as necessary to remove encroachments from its acquired land, stating that the area was earmarked for planned development. Police confirmed the demolition of several illegally constructed structures during the operation.
Hassan, expressing his dismay, shared a video of the demolished area, emphasizing that his family’s residence was among those razed. He recounted his futile attempts to secure official recognition for his dwelling, stating that despite owning the house since 2013 with documentation dating back to 1987, it was still demolished without prior notice.
Hunger strike if the demands were not met
In his plea for justice, Hassan demanded the restitution of his home, threatening to embark on a hunger strike if his demand remained unmet. His sentiments were echoed by Munna Qureshi, another member of the rescue team, who alleged mistreatment by the police during the incident.
Delhi police’s response
In response, a Delhi Police officer clarified that the demolition targeted several illegally erected structures, and their role was to maintain law and order during the operation.
Hassan, along with five other members of the rat-hole mining team, resides in Khajoori Khas, while others hail from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. Their expertise in specialized mining techniques proved invaluable during the rescue operation in the Silkyara tunnel, where 41 workers were trapped for nearly 17 days following a collapse on November 12.
