In a no-nonsense crackdown, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation joined hands with the local police to demolish a long-standing illegal chicken market operating under the nose of authorities in the Sunder Nagar area. Residents had been complaining for months that the makeshift stalls were slaughtering poultry in unsanitary conditions, leading to foul smells and attracting stray animals. Acting on these complaints, a joint team from the corporation’s veterinary, maintenance and health departments descended on the spot with bulldozers and cranes.
Officials said they broke up around 30 temporary wooden and tin kiosks set up on public land. At least 25 large refrigerators used for storing meat and about 20 benches were smashed. Several quintals of meat, cages and cutting tools were seized and sent for disposal. As the demolition got underway, some traders attempted to form a human chain to stop the bulldozer, but the police intervened and quickly dispersed the crowd. “This market had no licence, no sanitation measures and was a threat to public health. We had issued multiple warnings but the vendors returned. Today’s action was necessary,” said a senior veterinarian involved in the raid.
The municipal corporation has long struggled to regulate informal meat markets that spring up near residential colonies. Such markets often operate without proper drainage, attract rodents and flies, and dump waste into nearby drains. Residents of Sunder Nagar said they were relieved to see decisive action. However, some vendors alleged they were being targeted while bigger meat shops elsewhere operate freely. They urged the corporation to provide an alternative site where small traders could run hygienic businesses.
Along with clearing the chicken market, the joint task force seized several cars and motorcycles parked illegally on footpaths and issued warning notices to shopkeepers using public space for commercial activities. Officials said routine surveillance will continue to prevent the market from re-emerging. The drive underscores the municipality’s renewed focus on cleanliness and enforcing health regulations, as well as the need to balance livelihood concerns with public safety.
