Janata Colony demolition likely on May 9
As part of its efforts to make the city slum-free, the UT Estate Office today issued a public notice to the inhabitants of Janata Colony, a slum cluster in Sector 25, to vacate the area within one week. The colony is likely to be demolished on May 9.
According to the notice, a demolition drive will be carried out to demolish unauthorised structures/jhuggis at Janta Colony and therefore, every resident of the colony shall vacate the area immediately at his or her own expenses within one week. “Any person, who fails to vacate the colony during the time and on the date specified in the notice, shall be liable to be removed,” read the notice.
Many residents have started removing their belongings. Several dwellers claimed that they had documents, but were not considered eligible under the rehabilitation scheme. The colony spreads over 10 acres of government land worth about Rs 350 crore. Considered the largest slum in the city, it is estimated to be home to over 10,000 people. The land has been earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre and a shopping area.
On April 23, the Estate Office had demolished jhuggis in Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area, Phase I, and reclaimed 6 acres of government land worth Rs 250 crore.
The Administration had tried to remove the Sanjay Colony and Janta Colony two years ago, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court stayed the demolition. The stay was vacated recently.
In 2022, the Administration had demolished Colony No. 4 and reclaimed 65 acres worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore. However, the land still remains vacant. In 2021, the slum dwellers of tin-shed colonies were rehabilitated in Sectors 52 and 56.
The Estate Office had earlier freed around 200 acres after razing Colony No. 5, Mazdoor Colony, Kuldeep Colony, Pandit Colony, Nehru Colony, Ambedkar Colony, Kajheri Colony and Madrasi Colony.
