Chandigarh, November 25, 2025: The Chandigarh Estate Office conducted a major demolition drive on Monday at the Chandigarh Club in Sector 1, removing 32 unauthorised structures spread across 70,000 square feet of the premises. The operation, which began at 6 am, included the dismantling of sheds, a kitchen, and a banquet hall, and continued late into the evening.
A senior UT official noted that the structures, primarily a kitchen and banquet hall, were erected by M/s Commando Caterers Pvt Ltd, which had sub-leased a portion of the club’s premises. “The caterer was in gross violation of building bylaws, having set up a commercial kitchen and storage area that were being used extensively for commercial purposes,” the official said.
The demolition followed the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s refusal two days ago to entertain a writ petition filed by the caterer against the Chandigarh Administration’s November 14 order directing the removal of illegal constructions. The club, the oldest in Sector 1, has operated since 1957 on an 8.5-acre lease from the UT administration and serves around 7,200 members, including advocates, businessmen, bureaucrats, and politicians.
Nishant Yadav, Deputy Commissioner–cum–Estate Officer, UT Chandigarh, said, “The Chandigarh Administration remains firmly committed to maintaining the planned character of the city. All violations of building bylaws will be dealt with strictly as per law. Unauthorised constructions will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
The demolition drive was carried out through a coordinated effort involving multiple departments. Police ensured law and order, with deployment of woman constables and oversight by the DSP. Technical supervision was arranged by the UT chief engineer through SDOs and junior engineers. The SDM (Centre) and executive magistrates oversaw operations, while civil defence volunteers, health department doctors, and ambulances were deployed on site. Water and electricity connections were disconnected in advance, and a fire tender from Sector 17 was stationed as a precaution.
The Estate Office enforcement wing, with tehsildars, labour teams, trucks, and excavators, conducted the demolition under the supervision of a designated Nodal Officer to ensure proper identification and removal of structures.
