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Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on April 23, 2025
With dismantling of 1,000 jhuggis, Sanjay Colony to be demolished today
Following this operation, the administration will shift its focus to Janta Colony in Sector 25, the city’s largest slum area, which spans 10 acres and houses approximately 2,500 shanties — home to more than 10,000 people.
Residents of Sanjay Colony move their household items after receiving demolition notices by the Chandigarh Administration, Tuesday. (Express Photo)
In a bid to make the city slum-free, the Chandigarh Administration is set to carry out a demolition drive at Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area, Phase 1, starting at 6 am on Wednesday. The colony, which spreads across approximately 6 acres, houses around 1,000 makeshift structures (jhuggis).
The authorities had recently organised a final documentation camp within the colony, offering eligible residents a last opportunity to submit papers for rehabilitation under the central government’s affordable rental housing scheme. However, officials confirmed that none of the submissions met the eligibility criteria after thorough scrutiny.
Residents of the area had earlier filed a review petition in the Punjab and Haryana High Court to halt the demolition, but it was dismissed, clearing the way for demolition.
In anticipation, some families have begun vacating and removing their belongings, while others staged protests opposing the demolition.
Following this operation, the administration will shift its focus to Janta Colony in Sector 25, the city’s largest slum area, which spans 10 acres and houses approximately 2,500 shanties — home to more than 10,000 people. The government land, valued at around Rs 350 crore, has been earmarked for essential public infrastructure, including a dispensary, school, community centre, and shopping complex.
The demolition of colony number 4 in May 2022 had previously enabled the UT to reclaim 65 acres of land worth nearly Rs 2,000 crore. Subsequently, eviction notices were issued to residents of Sanjay Colony and Janta Colony, labeling their settlements as unauthorised.-
Petitions challenging these notices led to a temporary stay by the high court, which instructed the UT administration to first hear the grievances of affected residents. The administration complied to the directions by conducting hearings with individuals from both colonies before moving forward.
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Meanwhile, the Chandigarh Police will deploy 700 of its personnel around the area, where demolition will take place, to maintain the law and order situation.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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