Chandigarh has officially become India’s first slum free city after the demolition of Shahpur Colony, its last informal settlement. Over a twelve-year drive, authorities reclaimed more than 520 acres of public land, including Kalyan Colony, Ambedkar Colony, and Colony No. 4. The reclamation paves the way for organized urban development, improved public spaces, and modern infrastructure. With high-value land cleared and future projects planned, Chandigarh sets a benchmark for other Indian cities aiming for structured growth, enhanced civic facilities, and sustainable urban planning.
Chandigarh achieves milestone as India’s first slum free city
Chandigarh has created history by officially becoming India’s first slum free city. The achievement follows the demolition of Shahpur Colony, the city’s last informal settlement, bringing an end to a long twelve-year drive aimed at clearing encroachments and reclaiming public land for planned urban development.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav confirmed that with the removal of Shahpur Colony, nearly 5 more acres of land have been reclaimed. “The demolition of Shahpur Colony marks a significant milestone for Chandigarh,” he stated.
This accomplishment highlights Chandigarh’s unique position among Indian cities, reinforcing its reputation for planned growth, cleaner spaces, and a focus on organized urban expansion.
How Chandigarh became India’s first slum free city
The journey towards becoming India’s first slum free city was not achieved overnight. The drive began more than a decade ago and involved continuous efforts by authorities to clear encroachments while reclaiming public land.
One of the largest clearances took place in 2014 when Kalyan Colony was demolished, resulting in 89 acres being reclaimed. The same year, Ambedkar Colony was cleared, which added another 65 acres. Colony No. 4 was removed in 2022, further contributing 65 acres to public land.
This year, the campaign gained momentum as encroachments worth over ₹2,500 crore were removed. The latest operation at Shahpur Colony saw police deployment to ensure smooth eviction and demolition, marking the final step in Chandigarh’s transformation.
Key colonies cleared to make Chandigarh slum free
Becoming India’s first slum free city involved clearing several large colonies across Chandigarh. Among the significant areas removed in recent years were:
- Kalyan Colony – 89 acres reclaimed in 2014
- Ambedkar Colony – 65 acres reclaimed in 2014
- Colony No. 4 – 65 acres reclaimed in 2022
- Adarsh Colony – cleared as part of recent drives
- Sector 25 Colony – vacated to recover prime public land
- Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area – removed to enable planned growth
Each clearance not only recovered valuable land but also reinforced Chandigarh’s commitment to structured urban planning.
Reclaiming land for urban development
Officials confirmed that Chandigarh’s clearance drive has now reclaimed more than 520 acres of land in total. These areas are being marked for future urban development, restoration of public spaces, and infrastructure projects.
The reclaimed land is expected to boost the city’s capacity for housing, commercial development, and green projects, ensuring long-term benefits for residents. The focus is on creating a more sustainable and organized city layout.
Impact of Chandigarh becoming India’s first slum free city
The declaration of Chandigarh as India’s first slum free city has multiple implications for urban India. It sets a benchmark for other metropolitan and rapidly growing cities where slums and informal settlements remain a challenge.
For Chandigarh residents, the removal of settlements means better access to public spaces, reduced pressure on resources, and opportunities for modern infrastructure projects. Authorities believe this will also improve the city’s image as a model for smart planning and structured development.
Challenges during the slum clearance drive
While Chandigarh’s achievement is historic, the journey was not without challenges. Eviction drives often require balancing the need for development with the rehabilitation of displaced families. Police and administrative teams were deployed regularly to ensure smooth operations and avoid disruptions.
The success of Chandigarh in overcoming these challenges provides valuable lessons for other cities facing similar issues.
Future prospects after Chandigarh becomes slum free
Authorities from the estate department mentioned that even in the last two months, additional land parcels were successfully vacated. With this final clearance, Chandigarh is now focusing on long-term urban growth strategies.
Some of the key focus areas include:
- Development of affordable housing projects on reclaimed land
- Expansion of green belts and public parks
- Improved infrastructure for residents
- Strengthening Chandigarh’s model city image for other Indian states
Why Chandigarh sets a new benchmark
By becoming India’s first slum free city, Chandigarh has not only improved its own landscape but also provided a model for future urban development in the country. The integration of strong planning, consistent administrative efforts, and the use of reclaimed land for organized growth highlights how cities can evolve with determination.
This achievement shows how urban India can transition from unplanned growth to systematic planning, ensuring better quality of life for residents while maintaining the cultural and civic fabric of a city.
Conclusion
Chandigarh’s declaration as India’s first slum free city marks a major turning point in the country’s urban journey. With over 520 acres of land reclaimed, including the final 5 acres from Shahpur Colony, the city has set a remarkable example of planned development and structured growth.
For residents, this transformation promises cleaner spaces, organized infrastructure, and new opportunities. For India, Chandigarh now stands as a beacon of how cities can redefine themselves with persistence and vision.
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