UT to be first slum-free city after Shahpur Colony demolition today

Chandigarh is all set to become the first slum-free city in the country with the demolition of Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 (West), the last slum. The UT Administration has decided to carry out a demolition drive in the colony tomorrow morning. After the demolition of this slum, Chandigarh will be declared the first slum-free city of India.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav today reviewed the arrangements for the demolition drive scheduled to be undertaken at Shahpur Colony at 7am. During the drive, nearly 500 hutments, which have been constructed on government land, will be removed as part of the drive. A force of 500 police personnel will be deployed at the site for maintaining law and order and assisting in crowd management.

Furthermore, eight dedicated teams equipped with JCBs and porcelain machines will be mobilised to carry out the demolition activity in a systematic and time-bound manner. After clearance, proper fencing of the acquired land will also be ensured to prevent any future encroachment.

The Engineering Department has specifically been instructed to ensure the disconnection of electricity and water connections a day before the demolition activity in order to facilitate the process and avoid any hazards. Adequate safety and health measures have also been put in place. Medical teams comprising doctors, paramedical staff and ambulances will be deployed at the site to respond promptly in case of any eventuality or medical emergency during the operation.

The DC emphasised the need for close coordination among all departments concerned, so that the demolition drive could be executed in a safe, efficient and organised manner. He further directed that refreshment and basic amenities be provided to all officials and staff deployed for the drive in recognition of the intensive efforts required during the operation.

Most of the illegal occupants have already started removing their belongings and vacated the land. Nearly 70 families of the colony have been found to be eligible under the rehabilitation scheme and will be allotted small flats. Spread over nearly 6 acres, the slum colony with nearly 500 jhuggis, houses nearly 2,000 persons.

The UT Administration has demolished 18 of the 19 slum colonies in the city so far and reclaimed more than 500 acres worth over Rs 20,000 crore. On June 19, the Administration had carried out an eviction and demolition drive at the Adarsh Colony slum, located between Sector 53 and 54, and reclaimed approximately 12 acres of prime government land.

On May 6, the Administration had removed nearly 2,500 structures at Janta Colony in Sector 25 and reclaimed around 10 acres worth Rs 350 crore. On April 23, nearly 1,000 jhuggis were razed in Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area, Phase I.