Chandigarh Slum-Free Mission: Sanjay Colony Demolished, Janta Colony Next in Line

Chandigarh Slum-Free Mission: In a significant push towards making Chandigarh a slum-free city, the UT Administration on Tuesday razed Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area Phase-I, clearing nearly 1,000 illegal jhuggis and reclaiming about 6 acres of valuable government land.

The demolition, part of the ongoing Slum Rehabilitation Drive, marks a crucial milestone in the city’s urban development vision. The reclaimed land is expected to be repurposed for infrastructure development, adding to the planned facilities that include a dispensary, primary school, community centre, and shopping area.

Chandigarh Slum-Free Mission: The Final Warning Before Demolition

Before the demolition, authorities organized a documentation camp at Sanjay Colony, giving residents a last opportunity to qualify for rehabilitation under the Central Government’s Affordable Rental Housing Scheme (ARHC). However, despite around 20 submissions, none met the eligibility criteria.

Officials stated that the colony’s residents were well-aware of the deadline, and many began vacating voluntarily before the bulldozers arrived.

Janta Colony Up Next – A Bigger Challenge Ahead

With Sanjay Colony now cleared, the administration’s focus has shifted to Janta Colony, Sector 25, one of Chandigarh’s largest and most densely populated slum settlements. Spread over 10 acres of prime government land, the colony comprises around 2,500 jhuggis, housing more than 10,000 people.

The land here is estimated to be worth ₹350 crore and has been earmarked for essential public infrastructure. “This area has been under encroachment for years, and now it’s time to reclaim it for planned development,” a senior official stated.

Not the First Drive – A Pattern of Action

This is not the first major demolition under the UT’s slum-free initiative. Back on May 1, 2022, Colony No. 4 was demolished, helping reclaim 65 acres of land valued at nearly ₹2,000 crore.

The administration has made it clear that while the city welcomes every citizen, illegal encroachments on government land cannot be allowed to continue.

What Lies Ahead for Slum Dwellers?

While the move is being hailed for paving the way for a more organized urban structure, questions are being raised about the rehabilitation of the displaced. Activists argue that unless permanent housing or affordable rental options are provided, such demolitions may lead to urban homelessness.

However, officials reiterate that those who meet the criteria will be offered housing under schemes like PMAY and ARHC, but only after a thorough vetting process.

Public Reaction and Political Buzz

The action has sparked mixed reactions among city residents and political parties. While some lauded the administration for taking bold steps to reclaim public land, others demanded a more humane approach in dealing with slum dwellers who have been living in these areas for decades.

A City in Transition

Chandigarh’s slum-free mission is more than a clean-up drive — it’s a transformation of urban space, a reassertion of planned development, and a test of how well the city balances infrastructure growth with social responsibility.

With Janta Colony in its crosshairs, the administration faces a daunting task ahead. One thing is clear: Chandigarh’s skyline is changing, and with it, the future of thousands.