India, June 26 -- For hundreds of families who have lived and worked along Delhi's Yamuna ghats for generations, the demolition of the Yamuna Bazar colony has wiped out far more than their homes.

In just a few days, nearly 310 families lost not only their shelters but also livelihoods, community ties and a centuries-old way of life rooted in the river.

The action followed directions issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to remove encroachments from the ecologically sensitive zone.

A notice issued on June 23 informed residents of Ghats 2 to 32 that all encroachments on the floodplain falling under the DDA's jurisdiction would be cleared in compliance with the tribunal's orders.

Centuries-old occupations uprooted

Most of those di...