Chandigarh, Nov 2 — The Chandigarh administration will today demolish and seal unauthorised structures inside Nexus Elante Mall after the mall management allegedly ignored a two-month notice to rectify major building violations.
Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav said the enforcement drive would begin at 10 am on Sunday, following a detailed inspection and hearing process. “The mall altered its building without mandatory approval from the chief administrator. Violations include converting parking areas into landscaping and running non-approved commercial activities such as an open café and basement facilities,” he stated.
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate had earlier issued a show-cause notice on September 3 after an August 8 inspection revealed ten serious irregularities. These included use of 22,000 square feet of parking for greenery, a 3,000-square-foot open café, and another 3,000 square feet in the basement being used for a staff mess, day-care centre, and washrooms.
The notice also warned of daily penalties at ₹8 per square foot for the area under violation and allowed the administration to recover unpaid dues as arrears of land revenue. “After due process and sufficient opportunity for compliance, the administration has decided to act,” Yadav said.
Among other recorded violations were temporary sheds, storage facilities in parking zones, changes in the Hyatt Regency’s approved layout, and a now-defunct slide installed between floors at the Hamleys store.
Nexus Elante Mall, owned by Nexus Malls, issued a statement confirming receipt of the notice. “We are fully cooperating with the authorities and have already initiated corrective measures as per their directives,” the spokesperson said, adding that the mall was “committed to achieving full compliance.”
Sources said mall officials began removing some structures late Saturday, but enforcement teams are expected to proceed with the planned operation unless all violations are cleared.
The action marks the first such crackdown on a major commercial property in the tricity. Opened in 2013, Elante Mall is one of Chandigarh’s biggest shopping destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each day.
The demolition also aligns with the UT administration’s ongoing citywide campaign against illegal structures. In October, authorities razed Shahpur Colony in Sector 38 (West), officially declaring Chandigarh slum-free.
