Chandigarh becomes India’s first slum-free city. 'Where did the dwellers go?', asks internet

The drive to remove slum colonies had begun over a decade ago and gradually targeted some of the city’s largest settlements. (Image: @IndianTechGuide/X)

Chandigarh was formally declared India’s first city without slums following the demolition of Shahpur Colony, which had been its last remaining settlement. The clearance, which took place on 29 September, marked the conclusion of a twelve-year campaign led by the local administration to remove unauthorised colonies and reclaim public land.

Officials said that more than 520 acres in total had been recovered since the programme began, opening up space for urban development and long-term planning. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav confirmed that the demolition of Shahpur Colony alone returned five acres. “The demolition of Shahpur Colony marks a significant milestone for Chandigarh,” he told The Indian Express.

Police personnel and civic officials were deployed during the operation to ensure that it was carried out without disorder. Authorities confirmed that the clearance was completed smoothly and without major incidents.

The drive to remove slum colonies had begun over a decade ago and gradually targeted some of the city’s largest settlements. In 2014, the removal of Kalyan Colony reclaimed 89 acres, while the same year Ambedkar Colony was cleared, recovering a further 65 acres. In 2022, 65 acres were taken back when Colony No. 4 was demolished. In recent years, Adarsh Colony, the Sector 25 settlement, and Sanjay Colony in the Industrial Area were also dismantled. Two months earlier, the estate department had cleared more land under the same initiative.

According to officials, land worth more than Rs 2,500 crore had been recovered in 2025 alone. They said that the reclaimed areas would now provide opportunities for infrastructure and new development projects.

The announcement prompted a wave of responses online. Some users congratulated the city, with one comment reading: “Chandigarh now sets a benchmark for Indian cities aiming at inclusive growth.” Another wrote: “Chandigarh is now slum-free, amazing progress. Hope everyone got a good new home.”

"The city designed by famous Le Corbusiee still shines after 60 years," a user noted.

Others questioned the human impact of the demolition. “Where were they relocated?” one user asked. Another argued: “It’s not slum free, but the slum has been bulldozed without any rehabilitation.” A separate comment read: “Where did the slum dwellers go?”

"Poverty, unemployment, & low-productivity jobs drive slums. Govts must tackle these root causes—invest in jobs, education, & economic opportunity—rather than just clearing slums, which only masks the problem," a user remarked.