Bulldozers Demolish Hundreds of Homes in Chandigarh

Chandigarh : In a massive demolition drive in Chandigarh, hundreds of families were left devastated as bulldozers razed their homes in the presence of a heavy police force. The action took place in Adarsh Colony located between Sectors 53 and 54, where residents witnessed their houses being torn down right in front of their eyes. The eviction drive, carried out on Thursday, cleared approximately 12 acres of land that authorities claimed had been encroached upon illegally

The administration, along with Chandigarh Police, initiated the demolition early in the morning. Scores of personnel were deployed to maintain order and prevent resistance from the locals. As the machines rolled in, residents scrambled to gather their belongings and vacate their homes, some of which had been standing for years. Despite pleas and protests, the demolitions continued throughout the day

For many, these were not just temporary shelters but homes built with decades of savings and hope. Emotional scenes unfolded as families, including children and elderly citizens, stood helplessly while their roofs were brought down. Several residents broke into tears and accused the administration of acting without adequate rehabilitation or prior notice. However, officials stated that prior warnings had been issued and that the land belonged to the government

According to the Chandigarh Housing Board and Estate Office, the colony was unauthorized and encroached upon public land, violating urban planning norms. They justified the action as part of a larger campaign to reclaim government land and clear illegal settlements. Officials further claimed that future redevelopment or legal housing schemes may be introduced for those eligible under relocation policies

Activists and local leaders have criticized the administration for the timing and scale of the demolition, questioning the lack of alternative housing arrangements. Human rights groups have called for immediate relief measures for displaced families, including temporary shelters, food, and medical support

This demolition has ignited a debate over urban development versus humanitarian considerations, as similar eviction drives have been witnessed in other Indian cities in recent years. For now, hundreds of families in Adarsh Colony remain without a roof, left to rebuild their lives from the rubble of what once was home