Chandigarh | As the sun rose over Industrial Area Phase I, a quiet yet powerful transformation began. Bulldozers rolled into Sanjay Colony at 6 a.m., marking the start of a demolition drive that would erase more than just 1,000 shanties—it would uproot the lives of hundreds of families who called the six-acre settlement home.
This isn’t the first time Chandigarh has attempted such a bold move. But for the residents—many of whom have lived here for decades—this morning felt final. While some packed their belongings in silence, others looked on with quiet disbelief, clinging to homes made of tin, tarp, and hope.
The Chandigarh Administration says the land must be reclaimed to make way for vital public infrastructure—plans include a community centre, a school, a dispensary, and a shopping complex. Officials stress that this is all part of a larger effort to reshape the city into a more organized, livable space for all.
The colony had been under legal review for months, with the administration offering residents one last opportunity to apply for housing through the Central Government’s Affordable Rental Housing Scheme. Sadly, none of the applications passed scrutiny. A legal challenge to stop the demolition was also dismissed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court earlier this month.
To ensure the operation went smoothly, over 700 police personnel were stationed in the area, standing by as the demolition crews went to work.
Next in line is Janta Colony in Sector 25—Chandigarh’s largest informal settlement. Home to over 10,000 people and stretching across 10 acres, Janta Colony sits on land valued at ₹350 crore. It too has been earmarked for redevelopment, signaling another massive shift in the city’s urban landscape.
This isn’t without precedent. In 2022, the administration cleared out Colony No. 4 and reclaimed 65 acres of government land valued at nearly ₹2,000 crore. That clearance paved the way for the current round of evictions and demolitions. While the administration did hold grievance hearings with residents—as directed by the High Court—many feel they’ve been left with more questions than answers.
For urban planners and architects, this moment reflects a difficult but necessary reality. Cities are growing rapidly, and space is scarce. But between planning blueprints and redevelopment charts are real people—workers, families, children—who need to be part of the plan, not just swept aside by it.
Chandigarh is now a case study in the challenges of balancing modernization with compassion. What happens next in Janta Colony will set a precedent—not just for the city, but for the many Indian metros facing similar housing and infrastructure pressures.