In a significant move against illegal encroachments, the Defence Estates Office (DEO), Delhi Circle, has reclaimed approximately five acres of high-value defence land in Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment. The reclaimed land, estimated to be worth ₹165 crore, was previously under unauthorized occupation and housed illegal dairies, makeshift shanties, and other unlawful structures.

The operation was initiated after a military unit located near the encroached land alerted the authorities. The drive was led by the Sub Divisional Officer and carried out by the Office of the Defence Estates Officer, Delhi Circle, with coordinated support from the Delhi Police, Local Military Authorities, and the Cantonment Board Delhi. Following the removal of encroachments, the land has been secured for strategic defence use.

This action is part of a broader campaign by the Defence Estates Office to identify and remove unauthorized settlements on Defence land across the National Capital Region. In a similar recent success, three acres of Defence land near Terminal 1D of IGI Airport were also recovered. In another operation, nearly two acres of defence land in the Mehram Nagar area of Delhi Cantonment, near Terminal 1D of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, were cleared of encroachments. This operation involved removing long-standing unauthorized parking zones, impounding a significant number of vehicles, and clearing illegal slums and animal shelters occupying prime defence land.

Varun Kalia, Defence Estates Officer, Delhi Circle, emphasized the importance of safeguarding defence land as a vital national asset. He stated, "We are firmly committed to eliminating all encroachments and restoring such land for national security and strategic purposes". Kalia also highlighted that encroachments on Defence land are silent threats to national security, and strict action will continue against all encroachers. The reclaimed land will be used in the national interest.

Kalia credited the Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) for their strong leadership and support, which has enabled field officers to act swiftly and decisively in such cases. The Defence Estates Organisation, functioning under the Ministry of Defence and led by the DGDE, is responsible for managing and protecting nearly 18 lakh acres of Defence land across the country.

These efforts to remove encroachments are considered highly significant, especially in Delhi, where there is a constant demand for land from government and defence organizations. The government intends to use the freed land for defence and military purposes.