2 hrs ago
Former Chandigarh Slum Colony Set to Become City Forest
A former slum area in Chandigarh is being turned into a city forest.
The area was once called Colony No.
4.
Officials removed the buildings in May 2022.
After that, the land was damaged, with waste, hard soil, poor drainage and little vegetation.
Workers have cleaned and repaired the land and planted trees.
Two water bodies were also made for rainwater and wildlife.
Visitors may later use elevated trails, bird-watching platforms and nature-learning spaces.
The forest is expected to open by June 2027 if the plans stay on schedule.
A 35-acre former slum site near Industrial Area Phase-I and the railway station is being transformed into a city forest.
The Chandigarh Administration evicted residents and removed structures from Colony No. 4 in May 2022.
Restoration has included removing construction waste, improving soil and drainage, planting vegetation and creating two water bodies.
Planned features include elevated nature trails, fire watchtowers, an observation deck and bird-watching platforms.
The foundation stone is expected in October, with likely inauguration by June 2027.
- Who
- The Chandigarh Administration and Forest Department are developing the site.
- What
- A 35-acre former slum colony is being restored and planned as a city forest.
- Where
- Near Industrial Area Phase-I and the railway station in Chandigarh.
- When
- Eviction took place in May 2022; the foundation stone is expected in October, with likely inauguration by June 2027.
- Why
- To restore degraded forest land and provide residents with access to nature while limiting construction and ecological disturbance.
Key facts
- Site size
- 35 acres
- Former site
- Colony No. 4, previously an unauthorised settlement
- Eviction date
- May 2022
- Plantation survival rate
- Estimated 98 percent
- Water bodies
- Two created for rainwater harvesting, moisture retention and habitat
- Planned opening
- Likely inauguration by June 2027
- Major facilities
- Elevated trails, fire watchtowers, bird-watching platforms and a Nature Interpretation Centre
Quotes
Senior Forest Department official
A senior official involved in Chandigarh’s city forest restoration project
“The eviction, however, left behind a degraded landscape, with construction and demolition waste, compacted soil, disturbed drainage, loss of vegetation and waterlogging. The Forest Department subsequently undertook restoration work, including fencing, removal of C&D waste, restoration of the land profile, soil and moisture conservation and plantation.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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