The address 33 Sham Nath Marg in Delhi is one of the most iconic government addresses in the city. The bungalow here has stood for decades, but it may soon vanish from the capital's landscape as authorities plan to demolish it and redevelop the property into a modern administrative complex.
A Landmark in Civil Lines
The bungalow is situated in the prestigious Civil Lines neighbourhood, occupying prime government land known for its expansive grounds and old trees. Located close to major administrative institutions, the property is a rare example of large-scale low-density development in the heart of Delhi. Civil Lines has long been associated with power and privilege, from the colonial era to the present day, housing government residences and heritage buildings. Until now, the area has retained much of its character.
The 'Cursed' Reputation
The bungalow at 33 Sham Nath Marg is said to date back to the 1920s, designed in the colonial style. Its proximity to the Delhi Legislative Assembly made it a perfect choice for chief ministers over the decades. However, a strange mythology surrounds the property. The bungalow's nickname as Delhi's 'cursed' Chief Minister's residence has generated headlines for years. Many political leaders associated with the property either failed to complete their tenures or experienced setbacks while in office, earning it a reputation as an unlucky address.
The story began with Delhi's first Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, who resigned before completing his tenure in the 1950s. Later, Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana lived in the bungalow but stepped down before finishing his term. Sahib Singh Verma also did not complete his tenure as chief minister. Deep Chand Bandhu later resided in the bungalow but died due to medical reasons in 2003. These incidents led to the bungalow being labeled as 'cursed' or 'inauspicious,' though there is no evidence supporting these claims.
From Political Address to Redevelopment Site
Recent reports indicate that the Delhi government is planning to demolish the ageing bungalow. The site is slated for redevelopment to house the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and a modern Emergency Operations Centre. If implemented, the redevelopment would transform a historical residential government estate into a specialised institutional facility, marking the end of an era for this iconic address.
