For many years, the government bungalow at 33 Sham Nath Marg in Delhi’s Civil Lines area has held a distinct spot in local political stories. Often viewed by officials and politicians as an unlucky location, the large property has been linked to sudden departures from office, career difficulties and personal losses for several residents.
The Delhi government now plans to change the site’s purpose completely. The historic structure from the colonial period will be torn down and rebuilt as the first permanent headquarters for the Delhi Disaster Management Authority. It will include a modern Emergency Operations Centre to handle crises. The effort aims to convert an underused official property into a functional administrative hub for emergency coordination.
Despite the upcoming changes, accounts of the bungalow’s troubled past continue to draw interest. Built in the 1920s on more than 5,500 square metres, the two-storey house includes gardens, meeting spaces and staff quarters. After independence it served as the main residence for Delhi chief ministers because of its closeness to the assembly building.
Its early residents included the capital’s first chief minister, Chaudhary Brahm Prakash, whose term ended in 1955 following a controversy. Later, Madan Lal Khurana occupied it after becoming chief minister in 1993, but he resigned three years later amid a scandal. These events helped establish the address’s reputation for misfortune.
Subsequent users reinforced the perception. Sahib Singh Verma used it as a camp office before his term ended early. In 2003, minister Deep Chand Bandhu moved in against advice and soon fell ill and died. Later chief ministers avoided the property, leaving it mostly empty.
The most recent notable occupant was Jasmine Shah, who faced removal from his post in 2022. Officials state the redevelopment decision rests on practical needs, as Delhi lacks a single dedicated disaster management facility. The new complex will bring together staff from several agencies to improve emergency response.
