Is the Illegal Furniture Market in Chandigarh Finally Facing Its End?
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Synopsis
Chandigarh's illegal furniture market, which has operated for 40 years, has been demolished by local authorities amid protests. This significant move clears valuable land and signals the end of an era for numerous shopkeepers. As the administration pushes forward with its plans, the future remains uncertain for those affected.
Key Takeaways
- 116 unauthorized shops were demolished in Chandigarh.
- The action was taken despite protests from shopkeepers.
- The market occupied 15 acres of agricultural land.
- Previous demolition attempts had failed due to legal challenges.
- The administration had acquired the land in 2002.
Chandigarh, July 20 (NationPress) In a significant demolition operation, 116 unauthorized temporary furniture shops, which had been operating for the last 40 years in Chandigarh, were dismantled on Sunday by the local authorities, despite facing protests from shopkeepers.
The administration reported that 160 acres were cleared during this operation, which involved the deployment of substantial security forces in the furniture market located in Sectors 53 and 54.
This market had taken over 15 acres of agricultural land along a busy route linking the capital city with Mohali in Punjab. Over the years, the market, lacking parking facilities, fire safety measures, and public amenities, became a significant destination for furniture shoppers in the area.
In the 1990s, previous attempts by the Chandigarh administration to demolish the shops were thwarted when traders successfully obtained a stay order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The administration had acquired the encroached land in 2002.
When efforts resumed to remove the encroachments, shopkeepers once again sought legal recourse, but their petitions were dismissed in September 2023, affirming the administration's authority to reclaim the land.
Despite multiple attempts by the administration, political interference repeatedly stalled the demolition process.
On January 9 of this year, the estate officer issued eviction notices to the shopkeepers, instructing them to vacate the encroached land within 15 days.
The notice explicitly stated that no alternative relocation site would be offered.
The deadline lapsed on January 24, with an initial demolition drive planned for January 28, which was again postponed. The administration has been urging shopkeepers to take part in the open auction for shops in the future Bulk Material Market at Sector 56; however, shopkeepers have requested guaranteed allotments in Sector 56.
Prior to the demolition on Sunday, 29 shops in the furniture market were demolished on June 30. Last year, in June, the Land Acquisition Department had issued a notice to the market, instructing the shopkeepers to demolish their shops voluntarily and vacate the government land.
Point of View
I believe that while the demolition of the illegal furniture market in Chandigarh addresses long-standing zoning issues, it also highlights the need for better planning and support for affected shopkeepers. The local administration must balance enforcement with compassion and provide viable solutions for those displaced.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the furniture shops in Chandigarh demolished?
The furniture shops were demolished because they were unauthorized and had been operating illegally for 40 years, occupying agricultural land.
What measures were taken to ensure the demolition?
The local administration deployed heavy security personnel to oversee the demolition process and ensure that it was carried out smoothly.
What was the history of the furniture market?
The market had been the subject of previous demolition attempts in the 1990s, but traders obtained a stay from the court. The administration had acquired the land in 2002.
What happened to the shopkeepers after the demolition?
Shopkeepers were instructed to vacate the land without being offered alternative sites for relocation.
What are the future plans for the affected shopkeepers?
The administration has proposed that shopkeepers participate in an auction for shops in the upcoming Bulk Material Market at Sector 56.
