Chandigarh, May 20, 2025 — In a landmark achievement, Chandigarh is on track to become the first slum-free city in India by the end of June 2025. With only two informal settlements left to be demolished, the Union Territory Administration is moving swiftly to reclaim a total of 519 acres of prime government land — valued at approximately ₹21,000 crore.
Chandigarh slum free city: According to Deputy Commissioner and UT Estate Officer Nishant Kumar Yadav, 17 of the original 19 slum colonies in Chandigarh have already been cleared. The two remaining settlements — Adarsh Colony in Sector 53 and Shahpur Colony near Shahpur village — occupy 10 and 5 acres of land respectively and are slated for demolition in the coming weeks.
Chandigarh’s Vision Realigned with Le Corbusier’s Master Plan
The move is a significant step in realigning Chandigarh with the vision of Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who designed the city in the 1950s with a blueprint that excluded slum settlements. However, decades of political neglect and encroachments led to the unchecked rise of informal housing across the city.
“Chandigarh was meant to be a symbol of modern urban planning, but political interference allowed illegal slums to mushroom across the city. Since 2014, the Administration has taken a strong stance against this encroachment,” said Yadav.
Reclaimed Land to Boost Urban Development
The reclaimed land will be developed in accordance with the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031, incorporating a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and religious components. The UT Engineering Department is currently working on development plans that will integrate these reclaimed areas with the city’s existing sectoral layout.
Yadav confirmed that the developed plots will be auctioned by the Estate Office based on fixed rates, ensuring transparency and value generation for public infrastructure. “This initiative is not just about clearing slums, but about optimizing land use to meet the growing needs of the city,” he added.
Adarsh and Shahpur Colonies: Final Demolitions on the Horizon
A recent survey by the UT Estate Office revealed that Adarsh Colony is home to approximately 5,000 people living in 1,000 hutments, while Shahpur Colony houses 2,000 residents across 500 jhuggis. The demolition process is already in its final stages of planning and is expected to be completed shortly.
A Zero-Tolerance Policy for Illegal Encroachments
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal constructions and land encroachments.
“Chandigarh will soon add another feather to its cap as the first slum-free city in the nation. The reclaimed land will serve the city’s rising demand for housing, institutions, and commercial needs. We are determined not to let anyone usurp public land again,” said Kataria.
Political Patronage and Changing Times
Historically, slums in Chandigarh were allowed to flourish under political patronage. Certain political leaders reportedly influenced administrative decisions to turn a blind eye to these illegal settlements in exchange for electoral support. However, this changed in 2014, when the UT Administration began taking decisive action.
The largest slum colony, Kalyan Colony, spread over 89 acres, along with seven other colonies totaling 302 acres, was demolished in 2014. In early 2025, three more illegal colonies covering 16 acres were cleared.
Chandigarh’s slum clearance initiative represents a rare instance of political will aligning with urban development goals. Once the final demolitions are completed and the land is redeveloped, the city will not only fulfill its original master plan but also set a precedent for urban renewal across India.