In a significant urban development move, Chandigarh’s last remaining slum, Shahpur Colony, is set to be demolished on September 30. According to official sources, the decision was taken to reclaim land for future infrastructure projects and to ensure the city’s planned status is maintained. The colony, home to thousands of families for decades, has long been at the center of debates over housing rights, rehabilitation, and city planning. Authorities have stated that alternative housing arrangements are being explored under rehabilitation schemes, though residents remain concerned about the timing and adequacy of the promised facilities.
This news has sparked a mix of reactions among the city’s citizens and civic groups. While some believe that removing the slum will help Chandigarh preserve its identity as a “planned city” and open up space for new projects, others argue that the displacement of residents without proper rehabilitation could deepen socio-economic challenges. Activists have already raised concerns regarding the human impact of the demolition, urging the administration to ensure a fair transition. With the demolition date approaching, all eyes are now on how the Chandigarh administration balances urban planning goals with the welfare of the people who have called Shahpur Colony their home for generations.