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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Demolitions since 2007 result in UT admn reclaiming 500 acres of land
With the latest demolition of Adarsh Colony in Sector 53 and 54 on Thursday and the action on 18 other illegal colonies, the Chandigarh Administration has reclaimed 500 acres of its land from the drive that began in 2007. According to official records, the demolition drive against the illegal colonies established in Chandigarh began 18 years ago, when on May 6, 2007, a large chunk of slums in Janta Colony, Sector 25, was demolished along with Kumhar Colony, as part of the city's slum-free campaign. The demolition led to the removal of approximately 2,500 shanties and displaced around 5,000 residents. The 10-acre area was reclaimed by the UT Administration from this action. While 2.5 acres of land was cleared at SBS Colony in Mauli Jagran in 2010, 40 acres from the demolition of Rajiv Colony and 55 acres from Colony Number 5 in 2013. In 2014, 89 acres of land was reclaimed with the demolition of Kalyan Colony and 65 acres from Ambedkar Colony. The same year also saw the demolition of Nehru Colony, Pandit Colony, and Kuldeep Colony, with 38 acres of land taken back by the administration. Another 30 acres of land each was cleared from the demolition of Majdoor Colony and Madrasi Colony, while 50 acres from razing Kabari Colony in 2014. With the demolition of Gursagar Colony in Maloya and Lal Bahadur Shastri Colony in Palsora in 2016, 3 and 20 acres of land respectively were reclaimed by the administration. In 2022, 65 acres of land was recovered with demolition of Colony Number 4, and 6 acres of land from Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area in 2025. On June 19, the Administration took back 12 acres of land with the demolition of Adarsh Colony. Following the demolition of Adarsh Colony, only one slum — Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 — will remain, which has about 300 shanties spread across four acres of government land, valued at Rs 150 crore. In 2006, the UT administration launched a rehabilitation initiative under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, earmarking 356 acres for the construction of 25,728 flats intended to house 23,841 families from 18 unauthorised colonies. According to an official, the Chandigarh Administration has rehabilitated around 28,000 people, who had been living in the unauthorised colonies, since 2006 under the Economic Weaker Section (EWS) scheme. On the encroachment of the Government lands in Chandigarh, Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh said that, 'teams have been made and each of its offices has been assigned 2-3 sectors'. 'They shall report on a weekly basis about any encroachment in their area,' he added. The Chandigarh DC has clarified that the demolition drive is not just about reclaiming land but sending a clear message that illegal encroachments will not be tolerated. 'The reclaimed land will now be utilized in accordance with planned urban development goals to benefit the larger community, ' Yadav added.
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Adarsh Colony demolished, UT reclaims 12 acres
The UT estate office demolished Adarsh Colony, an illegal settlement spread across Sectors 53 and 54, under its ongoing slum-free campaign on Thursday. It was the second last remaining slum in the city. The colony, which came up nearly two decades ago on approximately 12 acres of government land, housed around 1,000 shanties. The estimated value of the reclaimed land is ₹480 crore. The land, acquired by the Chandigarh Administration in 2002, is part of the city's master plan and will now be integrated into Sector 54 where residential plots are proposed to be developed. The demolition drive began at 6.30 am and continued until 10.30 pm. However, the operation was halted for nearly four hours after some occupants filed a writ petition in the Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) on Wednesday. The hearing was scheduled for Thursday morning and after the court dismissed the petition, the drive resumed at 2.30 pm and concluded by 5.30 pm. To maintain law and order, around 1,000 police personnel were deployed at the site. Additionally, six ambulances, along with doctors and paramedical staff, were stationed to provide emergency medical support, if needed. Established in 2002, Adarsh Colony was home to labourers, hawkers, industrial workers, daily wagers, sanitation workers and domestic helpers, many of whom worked in the nearby furniture market. Now, only one slum area — Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 — is left in the UT. Spread over four acres, Shahpur Colony comprises about 300 shanties on encroached government land valued at ₹150 crore. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said, 'This drive is not just about reclaiming land, but about sending a clear message that encroachments will not be tolerated. The reclaimed land will now be used in line with planned urban development goals.' To curb future encroachments, the administration has assigned three to four sectors to each junior engineer, who is required to submit a weekly report on any encroachment activity in their respective areas. The administration has been working to make Chandigarh slum-free since the early 2000s. In 2006, it launched an ambitious rehabilitation initiative under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, earmarking 356 acres — nearly 20% of the city's 2,811 acres of net vacant land — for the construction of 25,728 flats intended to house 23,841 families from 18 unauthorised colonies. The identified families, comprising over one lakh residents, were required to pay a nominal monthly rent after relocation. However, delays and non-payment have resulted in significant outstanding dues. In two months, the UT has reclaimed 28 acres as it razed Janta Colony in Sector 25 on May 6, reclaiming around 10 acres worth ₹350 crore. The site is now being earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre and shopping area. On April 24, over 1,000 makeshift structures were razed in Sanjay Colony, Industrial Area, Phase 1. The colony had been encroaching on nearly six acres of prime government land worth ₹300 crore. In 2013, it razed Colony Number 5, followed by Colony Number 4 in 2022. Together, these two slums had occupied over 165 acres. Other demolished slums include Mazdoor Colony, Kuldeep Colony, Pandit Colony, Nehru Colony, Ambedkar Colony, Kajheri Colony and Madrasi Colony.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Illegal shanties in Adarsh Colony: Tens of thousands rendered homeless in UT admn's demolition action to reclaim 12 acres
Leaving tens of thousands of people homeless, around 800-1,000 illegal shanties were demolished to reclaim 12 acres of land, here at Adarsh Colony, located between Sector 53 and 54, Chandigarh on Thursday. The colony came up nearly two decades ago on approximately six acres of government land behind the Furniture Market in Sector 53, and 54. The estimated value of the encroached land is Rs 250 crore. Speaking on the occasion, Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar stated that 'this drive is not just about reclaiming land but sending a clear message that illegal encroachments will not be tolerated. The reclaimed land will now be utilised in accordance with planned urban development goals to benefit the larger community'. The operation commenced in the early hours of the morning, in the vigil of Chandigarh Police, which deployed its personnel to maintain law and order and to facilitate the safe and smooth execution of the drive. 'The entire operation was conducted under the direct supervision of senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration and police, reflecting the administration's firm resolve to maintain urban discipline and uphold the rule of law,' an official of Chandigarh Administration said. The official added that this initiative is part of a larger anti-encroachment campaign aimed at reclaiming government land and safeguarding public spaces from illegal occupations. The administration claimed it had served multiple notices and warnings to unauthorised occupants in the recent past, providing ample opportunity for voluntary compliance. Despite previous notices, several structures and makeshift dwellings had continued to encroach upon government land. Acting decisively, the administration said it mobilised all necessary machinery, including earth movers and support teams, to remove these illegal constructions, added the official. Only one slum now: Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 Following the demolition of Adarsh Colony, only one slum — Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 — will remain, which has about 300 shanties spread across four acres of government land, valued at Rs 150 crore. Earlier, on May 6, the UT Estate Office had demolished Janta Colony in Sector 25, reclaiming around 10 acres of government land worth Rs 350 crore. The reclaimed site has been earmarked for a dispensary, primary school, community centre and shopping area. Prior to that, on April 24, over 1,000 makeshift structures were razed in Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area, Phase 1. The colony had been encroaching on nearly six acres of prime government land. The UT administration has been working to make Chandigarh slum-free since the early 2000s. In 2006, it launched a rehabilitation initiative under the Chandigarh Small Flats Scheme, earmarking 356 acres for the construction of 25,728 flats intended to house 23,841 families from 18 unauthorised colonies. Over the years, the administration has carried out multiple demolition drives. In 2013, it razed Colony Number 5, followed by Colony Number 4 in 2022.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Preparations underway for International Yoga Day celebrations in Chandigarh
1 2 Chandigarh: A meeting was held on Tuesday, chaired by chief secretary Rajeev Verma, to review and finalise the arrangements for the upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations scheduled for June 21. This year marks the successful completion of a decade of International Yoga Day celebrations across the globe. To commemorate this significant milestone, the Chandigarh Administration will organise the state-level celebrations at two iconic venues – Tiranga Park, Sector 17, and Rock Garden, Sector 1. The Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria will be the chief guest at Tiranga Park event. The celebrations are expected to witness participation from around 1,800 citizens across all age groups and walks of life, including students, senior citizens, govt officials, yoga enthusiasts, police, MC, civil defence volunteers, and members of various organisations and institutions. The social welfare department, in coordination with the directorate of Ayush, will hold celebrations of the 11th International Yoga Day at Rock Garden, where around 1,100 Anganwadi workers, creche helpers, CCI children, and others will participate. In addition to the state-level events, yoga sessions and celebrations will be held at over 140 locations across the UT, ensuring wide participation and outreach in the City Beautiful. The chief secretary directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure the successful and smooth conduct of the event. Present during the meeting were Diprava Lakra, secretary finance; RK Singh, DGP; Amit Kumar, commissioner MC; Ajay Chagti, secretary health; Anuradha Chagti, secretary social welfare; Hari Kallikkat, secretary IT; and other senior officials of the administration.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Owners now will be held responsible for their dogs' poop too
In a move aimed at improving pet management and public safety, the General House of the Municipal Corporation (MC), Chandigarh on Tuesday approved the final draft of the Pet and Community Dogs Bylaws 2025. The bylaws, which will now be sent to the Chandigarh Administration for final approval, impose strict responsibilities on pet owners, including liability for dog bites or any damage to persons or property, and restrictions on dog access to large public green spaces. Under the proposed regulations, dog owners must submit a written undertaking committing to full compliance. They will be prohibited from taking their dogs to several high-footfall areas and iconic locations such as Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, Leisure Valley, Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shantikunj, Terrace Garden, Mini Rose Garden, and Shivalik Garden. However, pet walking will still be permitted in regular parks, provided owners carry poop bags and clean up. The draft mandates that all dogs be leashed in public, with ferocious breeds also muzzled. An escort must carry a stick while walking aggressive dogs. Dog owners will be held fully accountable for their pet's conduct, including instances of aggression, injury, or property damage. In severe cases, authorities may seize the dog and impose financial penalties. Disposal of deceased pets in public bins or municipal spaces will be strictly forbidden. Instead, owners must cremate pets at designated facilities or ensure respectful private burials. The bylaws uphold a ban on seven aggressive breeds, as earlier adopted under the 2023 Animal Birth Control Rules. The rules ban ownership of seven aggressive dog breeds, including American Bulldog, American Pit Bull, Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Dogo Argentino, and Rottweiler. Violation of this rule may result in a fine of Rs 10,000. The draft also prohibits dog breeding or trading for commercial purposes within city limits. Violators could face fines and impoundment of their pets. Additionally, defecation by pets in public areas, residential spaces, and common facilities will not be tolerated. Owners must clean up after their dogs or take them to isolated areas for defecation. The final draft was shaped through discussions led by the Joint Commissioner-I of the MC, the Medical Officer of Health (also Secretary of SPCA), and other key stakeholders. The bylaws also provide a detailed breakdown of how many dogs can be kept based on plot size: Up to 5 marla – 1 dog 5 to 12 marla – 2 dogs 12 marla to 1 kanal – 3 dogs (including at least one mongrel/ Indie dog) More than 1 kanal – 4 dogs (including at least two mongrel/ Indie dogs)
