New Delhi, Feb 16 (IANS): Residential houses and shanties in the capital will not be razed till the new AAP government reviews the demolition policy, it was announced Monday.

The decision comes a day after a group of around 20 slum dwellers protested outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's house in Uttar Pradesh over demolition of their shanties.

"The government has issued directions to all the civic agencies, the Delhi Jal Board, the environment and forests and revenue departments, among others, not to carry out any demolition till this review is completed," said a government official.

Delhi has some 18 lakh slum dwellers.

In case any demolition has already been planned or is in the pipeline, the agency concerned shall seek prior approval of the urban development minister. This order will not apply to action taken in pursuance of court orders.

The government intends to complete this review at the earliest, the official added.