Chandigarh, May 6: The largest illegal slum in the city, Janta Colony in Sector 25, will soon be a thing of the past as the UT Estate Office is initiating the demolition of the colony as part of its ongoing effort to create a slum-free city.
Deputy Commissioner and Estate Officer Nishant Kumar Yadav led a review meeting today, overseeing the preparations for the drive. Senior officials from the Police Department, Administration, and the Municipal Corporation (MC) were also in attendance.
“We are determined to ensure that the demolition is carried out in a safe, systematic, and legally compliant manner,” Yadav said. “This is an essential step in promoting lawful urban development and reclaiming public land for civic use.”
Approximately 2,500 structures, covering 10 acres of prime government land valued at Rs 350 crore, will be removed. In a bid to maintain order and security throughout the process, the Administration has set up 10 specialized teams. To manage the situation effectively, 1,500 police personnel will be stationed at the site, with fire tenders and ambulances on standby for any emergencies.
The land will be redeveloped to serve public purposes, including a dispensary, primary school, community center, and shopping area.
The Estate Office had previously issued a public notice to Janta Colony residents, requesting them to vacate the area within a week. Many residents have already complied, but some claim to have valid documents that were not considered under the rehabilitation scheme.
Janta Colony, which houses over 10,000 people, has long been a symbol of illegal encroachment in the city. The demolition is part of the broader initiative to promote cleaner, more planned urban development.
This move follows a similar drive in Sanjay Colony, where the Estate Office reclaimed 6 acres of government land worth Rs 250 crore on April 23. Despite prior attempts to clear both Sanjay and Janta colonies in 2022, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued a stay order. However, the court recently vacated the stay, allowing the demolition to proceed.
In 2022, the Administration successfully demolished Colony No. 4, recovering 65 acres valued at Rs 2,000 crore.
Although the land remains vacant, it signifies the Administration’s commitment to reclaiming valuable public space. In addition, residents of tin-shed colonies were relocated to Sectors 52 and 56 in 2021.
The Estate Office has also cleared around 200 acres of land by demolishing several other colonies, including Colony No. 5, Mazdoor Colony, and Nehru Colony, as part of its ongoing urban renewal efforts.
Read more: JANTA COLONY EVICTION, HC DIRECTS HOUSING BOARD TO HEAR RESIDENTS
