33 Sham Nath Marg is one of the most iconic government addresses in Delhi. The bungalow here has existed for decades now. However, it may soon disappear from the city’s landscape as authorities have plans to demolish it and redevelop the property into a modern administrative complex. The address is better known in political circles as the “Chief Minister’s bungalow”. However, it is a supposedly “cursed” reputation. Not many are aware that the colonial-era estate attracted attention for a different reason.LocationThe bungalow is situated in the prestigious Civil Lines neighbourhood. It occupies prime government land and is known for expansive grounds and old trees. The bungalow is located in proximity to prime administrative institutions, the property represents a rare example of large-scale low-density development in the heart of the city.A landmark property Delhi’s most exclusive neighbourhoodsCivil Lines has been associated with power and privilege. From colonial era to till date, the area continues to be home to government residences and heritage buildings. Until now, Civil Lines has retained much of its character.The ‘cursed’ status
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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. But there is a weird mythology surrounding the property. The bungalow’s nickname as Delhi’s “cursed” Chief Minister’s residence has generated headlines for decades now. However, it is a fact that 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 started with Delhi’s first Chief Minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, who resigned before completing his tenure in 1950s. Decades later, Chief Minister Madan Lal Khurana was also given the bungalow but stepped down before completing his term. Then came Sahib Singh Verma who also 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. But there is no evidence supporting these claims. From political address to redevelopment siteRecent 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 change a historical residential government estate into a specialised institutional facility.
