For years, 33 Sham Nath Marg in Delhi's Civil Lines has been one of the capital's most talked-about government residences. The colonial-era bungalow has earned an unusual reputation in political circles, with many linking it to unfinished tenures, sudden exits and personal setbacks faced by some of its prominent occupants.
Now, the property is preparing for a new chapter. The Delhi government plans to demolish the bungalow and redevelop the site into the city's first dedicated headquarters of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), along with a modern Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).
How the ‘unlucky’ tag began
Built in the 1920s during British rule, the two-storey bungalow sits on more than 5,500 square metres of land and features expansive lawns, gardens, conference facilities and staff quarters.
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After Independence, it became the preferred residence of Delhi's chief ministers because of its proximity to the Delhi Vidhan Sabha.
The first major political figure to live there was Delhi's first chief minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, who moved into the bungalow in 1952. His tenure ended in 1955 amid controversy linked to an alleged jaggery scam.
Decades later, former Delhi chief minister Madan Lal Khurana was allotted the residence after taking office in 1993. He resigned in 1996 following allegations connected to the hawala scandal. These developments helped shape the bungalow's image as an unfortunate political address.
Incidents that kept the legend alive
The narrative continued with later occupants. Sahib Singh Verma, who succeeded Khurana, also did not complete his term and was eventually replaced by Sushma Swaraj.
In 2003, then Delhi minister Deep Chand Bandhu moved into the bungalow despite reported advice against doing so. He later contracted meningitis and died in hospital, an incident that further fuelled speculation surrounding the property.
Over the years, several chief ministers, including Sheila Dikshit, chose not to reside there, leaving the bungalow largely vacant.
The most recent controversy linked to the premises involved Jasmine Shah, vice-chairperson of the Delhi Dialogue Commission. In 2022, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to remove Shah from the post over allegations of misuse of office for political purposes.
From political myth to disaster management hub
As per a report by Mint, officials say the redevelopment project is driven by administrative needs rather than folklore. Delhi currently does not have a standalone DDMA headquarters, with disaster management functions operating from multiple locations.
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The proposed facility will bring together key agencies, including the Delhi Police, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Development Authority, under one roof.
Highlighting the need for upgraded infrastructure, an official said, "The current setup has limited space. Once a disaster-related call is verified, fire, police and CATS teams are alerted. The district magistrate and rescue teams are also informed, while the EOC monitors and coordinates the response."
With demolition plans moving ahead, 33 Sham Nath Marg is set to leave behind its decades-old political reputation and take on a new role centred on emergency preparedness and public safety.
FAQs:
What is a Type 7 government bungalow in Delhi?
A Type 7 bungalow is a high-grade standalone government residence allotted to senior officials, judges and top political leaders in Delhi.
Which is the richest bungalow in Delhi?
The Prithviraj Road mansion owned by DLF's Renuka Talwar is widely regarded as one of Delhi's most expensive private residences, valued at hundreds of crores.
