NEW DELHI: In a significant anti-encroachment operation, the Defence Estates Office, Delhi Circle, has reclaimed approximately 5 acres of prime Defence land at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment, from unauthorized occupation. The site had been encroached upon by illegal dairies, temporary shanties, and other unauthorized structures.
#BREAKING:🚨 Massive Encroachment Cleared@DefenceMinIndia‘s @ddg_it & DEO Delhi Circle reclaim ₹165 Cr worth of Defence land at Brar Square, Delhi Cantt.
5 acres cleared of illegal dairies & shanties.
More operations underway.Reports @rohanduaT02 #DefenceLand… pic.twitter.com/rD6naY3lJY
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) July 3, 2025
The operation was initiated following a tip-off from a military unit co-located with the encroached site. It was executed by the Office of the Defence Estates Officer, Delhi Circle, under the leadership of Shri Rakesh, Sub Divisional Officer, with the full support of the Police Authorities, Local Military Authorities, and the Cantonment Board Delhi. The reclaimed land, valued at approximately ₹165 crore, has now been secured and is available for strategic Defence use.
This operation is part of an ongoing drive by the Defence Estates Officer (DEO), Delhi Circle, to remove unauthorised occupations from Defence land in the National Capital. In a recent initiative, 3 acres of prime Defence land adjoining Terminal 1D of IGI Airport were also reclaimed. Further actions targeting unauthorized settlements within the Delhi Cantonment area are planned in the near future.
“Defence land is a critical and strategic national asset, and its protection is a top priority,” said Shri Varun Kalia, Defence Estates Officer, Delhi Circle.
“We are committed to ensuring that all such Defence land is freed from encroachments and put to appropriate use in the national interest. More such operations are planned, and strong enforcement will continue in coordination with all stakeholder agencies. The proactive leadership and continuous support of the Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) have been instrumental in empowering field offices to act decisively against encroachments and protect these vital national assets.”
The Defence Estates Organisation, headed by the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE) under the Ministry of Defence, remains steadfast in its mission to protect Defence land and ensure its optimal utilization for national security and public service. The organisation plays a pivotal role in the management and safeguarding of nearly 18 lakh acres of Defence land across India.
