As Shahpur colony falls, Chandigarh becomes free of slums

“Through a combination of planned rehabilitation, strategic demolitions, and strict enforcement, Chandigarh has made a significant step forward in eliminating slums. This initiative not only ensures the recovery of valuable public land but also provides thousands of residents with dignified housing and improved living conditions,” said DC Yadav.

​He added, “With this milestone, Chandigarh is setting an example of urban renewal and inclusive development, providing a model for other cities across India to emulate.

On Tuesday morning, huge police personnel were deployed to raze the Shahpur colony. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The Union Territory of Chandigarh has taken a step forward in its journey to become a slum-free city. With the removal of all unauthorised colonies from government land and the successful implementation of large-scale rehabilitation measures, the city has completed the final phase of its long-standing slum-eradication initiative.”

Over the last 12 years, the administration had started the drive of clearing the slums. The biggest colony razed was Kalyan colony in which 89 acres were reclaimed in 2014, followed by Ambedkar colony and colony no. 4 in 2014 and 2022 with 65 acres each in the two.

On Tuesday morning, huge police personnel were deployed to raze the Shahpur colony.

Before this, the administration’s estate department had already cleared Adarsh Colony, Sector 25 Colony, and Sanjay Colony in the Industrial Area.

This year, the administration had cleared encroachments from land worth Rs 2,500 crore.

Two months ago, the estate department had even vacated the furniture market land in Sector 53.

The Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 was spread over about five acres of land valued at approximately Rs 250 crore. The administration had also given people a chance to vacate their hutments on their own.

Over the last 12 years, the administration had started the drive of clearing the slums. (Express photo by Jasbir Malhi)

The settlement comprised around 300 huts and tenements, housing nearly 1,000 residents.

​Prior to the demolition, all applicants were screened under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, 2006. Eligible families were rehabilitated and allotted EWS flats at locations, including Industrial Area Phase I, Dhanas, Mauli Jagran, Ram Darbar, and Sector 49.

​Over the years, the UT Administration has successfully cleared 18 slum colonies, reclaiming nearly 520 acres of government land worth approximately Rs 21,000 crore.

​”The year 2025 marked decisive progress with major encroachment clearance drives which is Janta Colony (Sector 25): Chandigarh’s largest slum cluster, demolished on May 6–7, 2025. About 10 acres of land worth nearly Rs 350 crore were reclaimed, impacting nearly 10,000 residents,” it was said.

​Then Sanjay Colony (Industrial Area Phase I) was demolished on April 23,2025, reclaiming six acres of land valued at Rs 250 crore, affecting around 5,000 people.

​Adarsh Colony (Sector 54) was cleared on June 19, reclaiming 12 acres of prime government land valued at about Rs 750 crore.