Historic Bungalow at 33 Sham Nath Marg Faces Demolition
33 Sham Nath Marg, one of Delhi's most iconic government addresses, is a bungalow that has stood for decades. However, it may soon vanish from the city's landscape as authorities plan to demolish it and redevelop the property into a modern administrative complex. The address, better known in political circles as the 'Chief Minister's bungalow,' carries a supposedly 'cursed' reputation. Not many are aware that the colonial-era estate attracted attention for a different reason.
Location in Prestigious Civil Lines
The bungalow is situated in the prestigious Civil Lines neighbourhood, occupying prime government land. It is known for its expansive grounds and old trees. Located in proximity to key administrative institutions, the property represents a rare example of large-scale low-density development in the heart of the city.
A Landmark in Delhi's Most Exclusive Neighbourhoods
Civil Lines has been associated with power and privilege since the colonial era. The area continues to be home to government residences and heritage buildings, retaining much of its character until now.
The 'Cursed' Status
The bungalow at 33 Sham Nath Marg is said to date back to the 1920s, designed in the colonial style. Its location close to the Delhi Legislative Assembly made it a perfect choice for chief ministers over the decades. However, a weird mythology surrounds the property. The bungalow's nickname as Delhi's 'cursed' Chief Minister's residence has generated headlines for decades. Many political leaders associated with the property either failed to complete their tenures or experienced setbacks while in office, making it an unlucky address.
The story began with Delhi's first Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, who resigned before completing his tenure in the 1950s. Decades later, Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana also stepped down before completing his term. Sahib Singh Verma similarly did not complete his tenure as chief minister. Deep Chand Bandhu later lived in the bungalow but died due to medical reasons in 2003. Hence, the bungalow earned the 'curse' or 'inauspicious' titles, though there is no evidence supporting these claims.
From Political Address to Redevelopment Site
Recent reports indicate that the Delhi government is planning to demolish the ageing bungalow. There are plans to redevelop the site to house the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and a modern Emergency Operations Centre. If implemented, the redevelopment would transform a historical residential government estate into a specialised institutional facility.
