![\"DDA](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132168333,imgsize-1972774,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/encroachment_sultanpur-4jpg.jpg\" "\\"Photo")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nNew Delhi: Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has formed 14 flying squads under its land management department to protect govt land from encroachment, lieutenant governor TS Sandhu was informed during a high-level review meeting on sustainable urban development.Chairing a meeting of the advisory council on the \u2018perspective for sustainable urban development\u2019 in the city Friday, LG directed DDA to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against encroachments by aggressively using technology for real-time monitoring to detect unauthorised occupation and construction and act against them.According to DDA, the flying squads are supported by daily field inspections conducted by field survey teams and a robust performance-monitoring mechanism. Nearly 241.5 acres of govt land, mostly along the Yamuna, have been reclaimed since April 2025, and another 236 acres have been cleared of illegal construction.LG was also informed that a drone survey of the entire city was underway under a tripartite agreement between DDA, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Survey of India. Of the 1,370sq km identified for mapping, more than 1,122sq km has already been surveyed, including the entire O zone on the Yamuna floodplain.DDA also highlighted its vacant land management system, through which over 3,700 land parcels, covering nearly 21,773 acres, are being geo-tagged and periodically monitored using photographs to detect encroachment.A special enforcement drive is also underway to identify deviations from sanctioned building plans, said officials. Inspection teams are conducting field surveys, while flying squads and quick response teams have been deployed to identify and remove illegal constructions in land pooling areas.Sandhu directed strict action against major violations, including the de-empanelment and blacklisting of the architects found responsible for unauthorised constructions. He also instructed that unsafe or dilapidated buildings be promptly reported to MCD for necessary action.LG stressed that a collaborative, transparent and technology-driven approach would remain central to addressing the city\u2019s urban challenges and advancing the vision of a \u2018Viksit Delhi\u2019.<\/div>\n