DC Chandigarh Reviews Action on Unauthorized Religious Structures on Public Land
Chandigarh, May 15, 2025 –
Acting on the directions of the Supreme Court of India and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh chaired a review meeting to assess progress on the removal of unauthorized religious structures built on public land across the city.
Senior officials from the Forest Department, Chandigarh Housing Board, Estate Office, Land Acquisition Office, Municipal Corporation, and Engineering Department attended the meeting. Each department presented updates on action taken and the status of pending removals.
It was reported that three unauthorized religious structures have been identified on forest land, where removal has yet to begin. The Deputy Commissioner instructed the Forest Department to initiate immediate action where no legal impediments exist, stressing the urgency of complying with court mandates.
The Land Acquisition Office noted the presence of 16 unauthorized structures. While three acquisition notifications have been quashed and Special Leave Petitions are pending before the Supreme Court in two cases, the remaining cases are under active removal. The Deputy Commissioner urged the department to expedite action where no judicial stay is in place.
The Engineering Department reported 58 such structures under its jurisdiction, with 11 already removed. The Deputy Commissioner directed the department to accelerate the process, especially in cases where demolition notices have been served and no legal restrictions apply.
The Municipal Corporation revealed that 24 out of 118 unauthorized religious structures have been demolished. The Deputy Commissioner called for sustained and time-bound efforts to address the remaining cases.
To prevent future encroachments, all departments were instructed to secure reclaimed land through fencing and to maintain strong coordination with the Enforcement Wing of the Estate Office and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Central, East, and South Chandigarh.
All departments must submit updated Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the Deputy Commissioner’s office by the end of May. Reaffirming the gravity of the issue, the Deputy Commissioner stated that non-compliance with court orders will not be tolerated and directed all concerned to proceed in a mission mode with defined timelines to protect and reclaim public land.