Illegal shanties in Adarsh Colony: Tens of thousands rendered homeless in UT admn's demolition action to reclaim 12 acres

Indian Express

19-06-2025

Leaving tens of thousands of people homeless, around 800-1,000 illegal shanties were demolished to reclaim 12 acres of land, here at Adarsh Colony, located between Sector 53 and 54, Chandigarh on Thursday.
The colony came up nearly two decades ago on approximately six acres of government land behind the Furniture Market in Sector 53, and 54. The estimated value of the encroached land is Rs 250 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar stated that 'this drive is not just about reclaiming land but sending a clear message that illegal encroachments will not be tolerated. The reclaimed land will now be utilised in accordance with planned urban development goals to benefit the larger community'.
The operation commenced in the early hours of the morning, in the vigil of Chandigarh Police, which deployed its personnel to maintain law and order and to facilitate the safe and smooth execution of the drive.
'The entire operation was conducted under the direct supervision of senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration and police, reflecting the administration's firm resolve to maintain urban discipline and uphold the rule of law,' an official of Chandigarh Administration said.
The official added that this initiative is part of a larger anti-encroachment campaign aimed at reclaiming government land and safeguarding public spaces from illegal occupations. The administration claimed it had served multiple notices and warnings to unauthorised occupants in the recent past, providing ample opportunity for voluntary compliance.
Despite previous notices, several structures and makeshift dwellings had continued to encroach upon government land. Acting decisively, the administration said it mobilised all necessary machinery, including earth movers and support teams, to remove these illegal constructions, added the official.
Only one slum now: Shahpur Colony in Sector 38
Following the demolition of Adarsh Colony, only one slum — Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 — will remain, which has about 300 shanties spread across four acres of government land, valued at Rs 150 crore.
Earlier, on May 6, the UT Estate Office had demolished Janta Colony in Sector 25, reclaiming around 10 acres of government land worth Rs 350 crore. The reclaimed site has been earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre and shopping area.
Prior to that, on April 24, over 1,000 makeshift structures were razed in Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area, Phase 1. The colony had been encroaching on nearly six acres of prime government land.
The UT administration has been working to make Chandigarh slum-free since the early 2000s. In 2006, it launched a rehabilitation initiative under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, earmarking 356 acres for the construction of 25,728 flats intended to house 23,841 families from 18 unauthorised colonies.
Over the years, the administration has carried out multiple demolition drives. In 2013, it razed Colony Number 5, followed by Colony Number 4 in 2022.