Chandigarh's Slum Transformed into Vibrant City Forest

A former slum colony in Chandigarh, once known as Colony No. 4, is undergoing a significant transformation into a 35-acre city forest. Following an eviction drive in May 2022, the land, which had been heavily encroached upon, presented a degraded landscape with scattered debris and compacted soil. The UT Administration's Forest Department undertook ecological restoration efforts, including waste removal and extensive plantation, achieving a remarkable 98% survival rate.

The project emphasizes bringing residents closer to nature while minimizing human intervention. Instead of conventional parks, the focus is on environmentally compatible facilities with a limited footprint. Key features include elevated nature trails allowing canopy exploration, fire watchtowers for surveillance, and an observation deck. The initiative also aims to create an environmental learning hub with a bird-watching platform, a nature maze, and a Nature Interpretation Centre.

Visitor facilities will maintain the forest's natural character, with proposed bamboo structures like a cafeteria and meditation huts. The transformation from an encroached area to an urban nature destination demonstrates the rehabilitation of degraded urban landscapes. The foundation stone for the city forest is planned for October, with an expected inauguration by June 2027.