Chandigarh Temples Demolition: Deputy Mayor Protests as 21 Religious Structures Face Demolition

Chandigarh Temples Demolition: The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has sparked a major controversy by issuing demolition orders for 21 religious structures across the city, citing encroachment on government land. Among the sites listed is an ancient temple in Attawa village, which reportedly predates the formation of the Municipal Corporation itself.

According to the official order issued by Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar, an anti-encroachment task force has been formed to carry out the demolition drive. The team is expected to begin operations soon, targeting temples, shrines, and even a mosque built on public land.

Deputy Mayor Raises Strong Objection

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters, especially from Senior Deputy Mayor Jasbir Singh Bunty, who has vocally opposed the move. Referring specifically to the temple in Attawa village, he said:

“This is the only temple in Attawa. If it is demolished, where will people go for the blessings of the Goddess and to offer prayers? This temple is not just a structure; it’s a symbol of faith and tradition deeply embedded in the hearts of the people.”

He urged the administration to reconsider the decision and explore alternative solutions, such as land regularization or relocation options that would preserve the sanctity of these religious places.

Local Outrage Mounts

Local residents of Attawa and other areas listed in the demolition order have come out in large numbers to protest. Many are demanding that the temple and other religious sites be spared, citing their cultural and spiritual importance. Some have even started organizing community gatherings and signature campaigns to halt the demolitions.

One resident of Attawa said, “We have grown up with this temple. It has been a part of our festivals, prayers, and emotional support. Destroying it is like tearing apart our roots.”

Full List of Religious Sites Marked for Demolition in Chandigarh

Below is the complete list of 21 religious structures the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation plans to demolish:

1. Mandir-type structure, V-3 service lane, Sector 38/42 near Gurudwara
2. Mandir on phirni road berm near JK Hotel, Attawa
3. Mandir near House No. 3567, Sector 56
4. Prachin Shiv Mandir near H.No. 2100, Phase-2, Ram Darbar
5. Temple near Shop No. 54, Sector 34
6. Om Sai Nath Mandir, backside market, Sector 37/D
7. Shani Dev Mandir in front of coal depot, Sector 37/D
8. Temple in front of H. No. 2620, EWS colony, Sector 49/C
9. Temple in front of H.No. 2645, EWS colony, Sector 49/C
10. Temple near public toilet booth No. 69, Sector 35
11. Mandir near H.No. 6773, Sector 50
12. Masjid, EWS colony, Sector 49/C
13. Shiv Mandir near Shop No. 51, Motor Market, Sector 43
14. Baba Faquir Mandir, Green Dell parking, Buterla, Sector 41
15. Mandir, H.No. 2596, Ram Darbar Phase
16. Temple in parking near SCO 250, Sector 44/D
17. Mandir on V-6 road berm, back side of Krishna Market, Sector 41
18. Shiv Mandir near 55K, Ram Darbar
19. Shitla Mata Mandir, near Shop No. 214, Village Bural
20. Guga Mari near H.No. 2620, Ram Darbar
21. Shiv Mandir near H.No. 2621, Ram Darbar

What Lies Ahead?

While the Municipal Corporation maintains that the action is necessary to reclaim public land, critics argue that the move lacks sensitivity towards religious beliefs and the sentiments of local communities. Several social and political organizations are expected to join the protests in the coming days.

As the demolition drive looms, all eyes are on the Chandigarh administration to see whether it will stand firm on its decision or seek a middle ground to avoid communal unrest.