In a high-intensity move to enforce the rule of law and reclaim government land, the Chandigarh administration launched a massive demolition operation in Sector 54’s Adarsh Colony on Thursday, targeting over 800 unauthorized dwellings. As part of the city’s long-term vision to become slum-free, this action is the latest in a series of encroachment removal drives directed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which has called for urgent steps to restore public land to its intended use.
A heavy police presence, with over 1000 personnel deployed across the area, ensured the operation unfolded under strict security supervision. The demolition targeted makeshift homes adjacent to the prominent furniture market, covering over 12 acres of prime land that had been illegally occupied for years. Authorities revealed that despite earlier rehabilitation offers—where residents from Sector 25 had been allotted government flats in Dhanas—many had sold or rented out these units, only to return and erect fresh encroachments in the form of slums.
Local residents, who had occupied the land for decades, reacted emotionally. Many expressed their distress, saying they had been living in the area for over 40 years and were now being displaced without alternative arrangements. Several among them included families with children, elderly individuals, and persons with disabilities. They alleged that the administration’s action was harsh and left them homeless overnight. However, officials reiterated that prior notices had been served and ample opportunity was given for relocation under rehabilitation schemes already in place.
Chandigarh has long struggled with the growing number of unauthorized settlements, which not only put pressure on infrastructure but also raise concerns around health, sanitation, and security. The latest action underscores the administration’s intent to enforce civic discipline and reclaim urban spaces for planned development. In recent months, similar demolitions have been carried out in Sector 25 and areas adjoining the Industrial Belt, where land worth crores has been freed from encroachers.
The High Court had earlier reprimanded the civic authorities for inaction and asked for concrete steps to restore land meant for public infrastructure, housing, and services. The court had emphasized that unauthorized structures compromise the city’s planned design and urban aesthetics, which are integral to Chandigarh’s reputation as one of India’s best-planned cities. With this mandate, the administration appears to be acting decisively.
As bulldozers continued to level the colony well into the evening, the larger debate over urban displacement versus encroachment removal gained renewed relevance. While some view the drive as a necessary clean-up to preserve the city’s master plan, others call for more humane relocation policies that balance legality with compassion.
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