Chandigarh unit of Aam Aadmi party (AAP) has condemned the UT Administration’s move to issue 21-day notice to eight colonies in Chandigarh. After demolition of five colonies on Saturday, the UT Administration had slapped a 21-day notice on more colonies that cover over 50 acres of prime land.
The colonies, which had been served notice, were lBS Colony, Palsora; Kumhar and Janata Colony, Sector 25; Madrasi Colony, Sector 26; and Kabari and Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area, Phase 1 among others. The structures in these colonies would be removed in the third phase of the demolition drive in June. In the first phase, 107 acres was reclaimed after the razing of colony no.5 in November last year. In the second phase, 37 acres was reclaimed on last Saturday in Sectors 51 and 52.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, AAP Chandigarh stated that it believes that there has been no application of mind in the actions of the UT Administration in issuing this public notice. This is because this public notice was issued, while thousands of those who have been rendered homeless, from the recently demolished four colonies as well as colony no. 5 demolished in November, are waiting at the Estate Office, Sector 42 to appear before the Screening Committee with their claims.
The AAP reiterated that the public notice must be withdrawn with immediate effect, otherwise there is a strong possibility of public anger spilling on the streets, if the genuine demands of people are not taken into consideration. “The dream of ‘Slum Free Chandigarh’ must not be realised at the cost of bulldozing the homes, dreams and aspirations of the thousands of city's residents,” stated the party.