12 acres freed as Chandigarh Admn razes Adarsh Colony

The UT Administration today carried out an eviction and demolition drive at the Adarsh Colony slum, located between Sector 53 and 54, reclaiming approximately 12 acres of prime government land.

The operation commenced in the early hours of the morning, ensuring minimal disruption to public life. Police personnel were deployed at the colony to maintain law and order and facilitate the safe and smooth execution of the drive.

The action, which was a part of the larger crackdown on illegal encroachments, has left city with only one slum — the Shahpur Colony. According to officials, notices have also been issued to illegal occupants in Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 West and they have been asked to vacate the land at the earliest.

Speaking about the operation, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Nishant Kumar Yadav said, “The proactive initiative is part of a larger anti-encroachment campaign aimed at reclaiming government land and safeguarding public spaces from illegal occupations.”

Ram Niwas Paswan, 78, who had been living in the colony for the past decade or so, said the Administration should have provided the residents with shelter at an alternative site before carrying out the demolition drive, which has left with him nowhere to go. Echoing the sentiment, Ram Piyari, 58, said her husband died nearly four years ago in an accident and she had been raising her three children on her own. “I work at houses in the nearby sectors,” she said not sure where she would house her children who are also enrolled in a government school in the city.

The DC, meanwhile, said the administration had served multiple notices and warnings to unauthorised occupants in the recent past, providing ample opportunity for voluntary compliance, he said, adding that despite previous notices, several structures and makeshift dwellings had continued to encroach upon government land.

“Acting decisively, the Administration mobilised all necessary machinery, including earthmovers and support teams, to remove these illegal constructions,” he added.

He said the drive was not just about reclaiming land but sending a clear message that illegal encroachments would not be tolerated. The reclaimed land will now be utilised in accordance with planned urban development goals.

The Administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring planned and legal urban growth while protecting the rights and safety of all citizens. The DC again urged the residents to refrain from unauthorised construction and occupation.

Slum-free city on horizon

Notably, City Beautiful is well on its way to become the first slum-free city of the country. Up next after the demolition of the Adrash Colony, shanties will be next removed from the last slum of the city — Shahpur Colony.

Earlier on May 6, the Administration had removed nearly 2,500 structures at the Janta Colony in Sector 25 and reclaimed around 10 acres of government land worth Rs 350 crore. The largest slum in the city, it was home to over 10,000 people. The land has been earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre and a shopping area.

Similarly, teams had on April 23 demolished nearly 1,000 jhuggis in Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area, Phase I, and reclaimed 6 acres of government land worth Rs 250 crore.

Of the 19 major slums in the city, the UT Administration has demolished 18 and reclaimed over 500 acres of land in total.