Chandigarh has earned the distinction of becoming India’s first slum-free city, following the demolition of Shahpur Colony — its last remaining informal settlement — capping a twelve-year clearance drive that reclaimed over 520 acres of public land for urban development.

Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav confirmed to The Indian Express that with Shahpur Colony’s demolition, another 5 acres have been recovered. “The demolition of Shahpur Colony marks a significant milestone for Chandigarh,” he said.

The city’s slum removal campaign began in earnest over a decade ago. Among the largest settlements cleared was Kalyan Colony, where authorities reclaimed 89 acres in 2014. In the same year, Ambedkar Colony was razed, and 65 acres were reclaimed; another 65 acres were recovered from Colony No. 4 in 2022.

The drive continued this year with the demolition of encroachments from land valued at more than ₹2,500 crore. Police were deployed on Monday morning to oversee the safe eviction and demolition at Shahpur.

Other major colonies cleared in recent years include Adarsh Colony, Sector 25 Colony, and Sanjay Colony in the Industrial Area. Officials said the reclamation efforts have paved the way for new urban development and the restoration of public spaces.

Authorities indicated that two months ago, the estate department successfully vacated additional parcels of land as part of this sustained campaign.