Defence Colony has a very active Residents Welfare Association. The Defence Colony Residents Association or DECORA is a voluntary association that looks after the interests of the residents of the colony. The association acts as a method for collective action by the residents. While the original function was to guard against illegal encroachment, the association also looks after civic amenities, residents welfare, security and communicates with local authorities to solve issues faced by residents. They have enforced zoning norms by shutting down 15 commercial establishments in the locality and protected two neighbourhood parks from encroachment. 