Chandigarh’s slum-free drive: Sanjay Colony razed to reclaim 6 acres of land

In an effort to make the city slum-free, the UT Administration today demolished Sanjay Colony, a slum cluster in Industrial Area, Phase-I. Nearly 1,000 jhuggis were removed to reclaim approximately 6 acres of government land that had been illegally encroached upon by slum dwellers. A camp was organised at the colony on Tuesday to give eligible slum dwellers a last chance to submit their documents. About 20 residents submitted their documents, but none met the eligibility criteria for rehabilitation under the Central Government’s Affordable Rental Housing scheme.

Most of the colony’s occupants began removing their belongings before the demolition drive was launched. Following the demolition drive in Sanjay Colony, the UT Administration will now focus on removing slum dwellers from Janta Colony, Sector 25, which spans over 10 acres of government land with around 2,500 shanties. Considered the largest slum area in the city, Janta Colony is estimated to be home to over 10,000 people. The colony stands on government land valued at approximately Rs 350 crore, which has been earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre, and shopping area.

On May 1, 2022, the UT Administration demolished Colony No. 4 and reclaimed 65 acres of land worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore.