Panchkula Administration Puts Gandhi Colony Relocation Plan on Hold
The Panchkula administration has decided to shelve its plan to relocate the sprawling illegal Gandhi Colony slum settlement, at least for the time being. This decision comes despite the persistent insanitary conditions that continue to plague the area, located on the route to the revered Mata Mansa Devi Mandir, causing significant distress to both devotees and local residents.
Survey and Initial Planning Efforts
Various city departments had initiated a comprehensive survey of the encroached site in September last year, ahead of the Navratri festival. The survey was part of a broader strategy to address the issue, with land already earmarked at Kharag Mangoli for the potential relocation of the slum dwellers.
This move followed a crucial meeting of the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board, which was chaired by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. During this meeting, clear directions were issued to make the temple premises completely free from encroachments, aiming to preserve its aesthetic beauty and historical grandeur.
Reasons Behind the Decision
A senior official, speaking to TOI, explained that the plan was dropped due to the administration's preoccupation with several engagements, including the recent Navratri festival. However, sources within the administration suggest that the forthcoming municipal corporation elections may also be a significant factor influencing this decision.
"The move has been planned several times earlier also but not implemented. It needs political will," commented Rakesh Agarwal, a member of the Panchkula Vikas Manch. "After all, it's a big colony and huge voters reside here; it's not easy to remove them. And there should also be a proper place for them to be shifted."
Agarwal further noted that during the recent Navratri festival, authorities covered the colony with a sheet to conceal its dirty conditions, indicating a lack of serious intent. "That means they are not serious and are just giving statements and passing time. Someday if some project comes here and there is a political interest, it will get removed," he added.
Another senior official confirmed to TOI that the plan was indeed dropped due to various events but assured that the administration would restrategize in the future.
Land Ownership and Encroachment Details
The land in question belongs to the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) and the Municipal Corporation (MC). Officials from these bodies have so far failed to reclaim their lands, which are valued at crores of rupees. Approximately 1,000 slum structures have been built on this land, with sources indicating that out of a total of about 8 acres, around 4 acres have been encroached upon.
The Gandhi Colony is strategically located near several key areas, including housing societies, the Panchkula police commissioner's office complex, the National Institute of Ayurveda, and the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir itself.
Broader Context: Other Illegal Colonies
Alongside Gandhi Colony, the fate of two other major illegal colonies—Indira Colony and Rajiv Colony, situated in Sector 17—remains uncertain. Slum dwellers across these colonies have been living in deplorable conditions in various parts of the city.
The living conditions in these slums are characterized by a dirty drain that passes through many of them, filled with stagnant and moving garbage. The presence of pigs, cattle, and dogs around the drain exacerbates the insanitary environment. Stagnant dirty water, garbage dumps, poor basic amenities, open defecation, and foul odour are commonplace in these areas.
Impact on Nearby Residents
Residents living near these colonies are also severely inconvenienced by the filthy conditions that pervade their surroundings. Despite repeated complaints and visible distress, the authorities have yet to take decisive action to address these issues, leaving many to wonder when they will finally wake up from their slumber and implement effective solutions.
