India, Sept. 1 -- The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Monday launched a demolition drive around Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, removing "temporary structures" from public parks near the Mughal-era monument, senior civic officials said.

MCD officials said the encroachment removal drive was being undertaken in compliance with directions of the Delhi high court to recover public spaces.

In January, the Delhi high court had ordered a probe into encroachments in and around Jama Masjid, saying that "if any illegal construction is found, the law must take its course". The court had directed the MCD to undertake a comprehensive survey of constructions in and around the monument and initiate statutory action to remove encroachments or unautho...