Another slum, Sanjay Colony, set to become history today
The UT Administration is all geared up to demolish Sanjay Colony, one of the major slums in Industrial Area, Phase I, on Wednesday.
Spread over nearly 6 acres, this slum has nearly 1,000 jhuggis. The demolition drive would start around 6 am. According of officials, a camp was organised at the colony to give a last chance to the eligible slum dwellers to submit their documents. Nearly 20 residents submitted their documents. However, none met the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation under the Affordable Rental Housing Scheme of the Central Government. The residents’ review petition against the demolition drive had been dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Meanwhile, a number of colony residents staged a protest as the others vacated their jhuggis. After the demolition drive in Sanjay Colony, the Administration will initiate a similar action at Janta Colony, Sector 25.
After successfully carrying out the demolition drive in Colony Number 4 on May 1, 2022, the UT Administration had reclaimed 65 acres worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore.
In May 2022, public notices were issued, asking residents of Sanjay Colony and Janta Colony to vacate the slum areas immediately.
The UT has demolished Colony Number 5, Mazdoor Colony, Kuldeep Colony, Pandit Colony, Nehru Colony, Ambedkar Colony, Kajheri Colony and Madrasi Colony in the city in the past 20 years.
Sector 25 Janta Colony next
The Administration will initiate a similar drive at Janta Colony, Sector 25, which has 2,500 shanties spread over 10 acres of government land. The slum is home to more than 10,000 people. The land worth about Rs 350 crore has been earmarked for a dispensary, a primary school, community centre and a shopping area.
