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The Chandigarh administration has escalated its anti-encroachment campaign in Manimajra, demolishing ten unauthorized homes and reclaiming nearly 1.5 acres of government land. The land, part of a 38-acre parcel acquired back in 1998, had been encroached upon over the years, prompting the administration to act firmly. The operation was carried out smoothly under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (East), with adequate police deployment and prior notice given to residents. This move follows a series of similar crackdowns across the city, including the recent clearing of the Manimajra motor market, reflecting the city's broader push for disciplined urban planning and land use.
The Chandigarh administration recently demolished ten illegally built houses in the Manimajra area, reclaiming around 1.5 acres of land from encroachers. The targeted land had originally been acquired by the government in 1998 for public development purposes but was gradually overtaken by unauthorized settlements. Officials stated that all legal procedures were followed prior to the demolition, with eviction notices issued well in advance, offering residents the chance to vacate voluntarily. Advertisement
The operation was led by the SDM (East) and supported by Chandigarh Police to ensure it proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner. Authorities confirmed that the drive faced no resistance and concluded without any untoward incidents. The administration emphasized that the reclaimed land would be put to planned civic use in accordance with the original purpose for which it had been acquired.
This is not the first major enforcement initiative undertaken in Manimajra. A few weeks ago, the Municipal Corporation launched a substantial anti-encroachment campaign in the area's busy motor market. The drive saw the deployment of 70 personnel who removed unauthorized structures such as toolboxes, benches, gas kits, and vehicle parts that were obstructing public pathways and lanes. More than 145 challans were issued during that operation, and several encroaching items were seized.
The Municipal Commissioner, Amit Kumar, had personally overseen the earlier drive and reiterated the importance of restoring public land for community benefit. He had also urged residents and business owners to comply with zoning laws and avoid setting up makeshift operations on government property. These efforts form part of a city-wide campaign that prioritizes lawful land usage and enforcement of civic regulations.
However, the administration's actions have also drawn some criticism. Following the earlier demolition drive in the motor market, a section of mechanics staged a protest, arguing that their livelihoods built over decades were being disrupted without proper rehabilitation plans. The Chandigarh unit of the Congress party also voiced its disapproval, alleging that the affected individuals were not given adequate notice and accusing the Municipal Corporation of acting hastily. Reports indicated that over 2,500 mechanics and about 150 toolboxes were impacted during that drive.
Manimajra, now officially designated as Sector 13, is a historically significant township. Once a princely state, the area is home to the nearly 360-year-old Manimajra Fort. Over the past two decades, it has witnessed a rapid urban transformation, with the government acquiring large parcels of land to facilitate civic development and organized growth. The sector numbering was formalized in 2020 as part of Chandigarh's effort to streamline urban planning in newly integrated localities.
The current demolition is not an isolated case either. The city recently carried out a similar drive in Janta Colony, once regarded as Chandigarh's largest informal settlement where hundreds of makeshift houses were cleared as part of an urban renewal initiative. These operations are part of a long-term plan to ensure that government land is preserved for designated infrastructure, civic amenities, and future residential or commercial development in a planned manner.
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