Jinxed bungalow to become disaster HQ

FOR decades, the sprawling Civil Lines bungalow at 33 Sham Nath Marg occupied a peculiar place in Delhi’s political folklore. Unlike the capital's other coveted government residences, this one became notorious for the misfortune that seemed to follow its occupants.

- ANUP VERMA

Chief ministers lost office, political careers stumbled and, in one case, tragedy struck. Over time, the address acquired a label that no government property wants: jinxed.

Now, after years of standing largely vacant, the infamous bungalow is headed for the wrecking ball. The government plans to demolish the property and redevelop it into the capital’s first dedicated headquarters of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), complete with a modern Emergency Operations Centre. In a fitting twist, a building long associated with political misfortune could soon become the command centre for handling disasters.

Even as redevelopment plans gather pace, the bungalow’s curious history continues to command attention.