The Chandigarh urban planning department has dealt a significant blow to the Chandigarh Housing Board's ambitious housing plans by firmly rejecting their request for plotted housing development in the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park.
Master Plan Regulations Take Precedence
In a decisive move communicated last week, the UT urban planning department cited the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 as the primary reason for refusing CHB's proposal. The department emphasized that the master plan explicitly prohibits individual plotted development throughout Chandigarh, instead recommending high-density group housing in 4-6 storey flats to accommodate larger populations efficiently.
An official statement from the department clarified: "As per the notified Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, high-density group housing is recommended for development in 4/6-storey flats to accommodate a large number of flats. Further, CMP-2031 recommends discontinuation of individual plot allotment. Accordingly, the request cannot be acceded to."
City-Wide Restrictions Implemented
The rejection extends beyond the technology park, affecting development plans across the entire city. Senior UT officials confirmed that the restriction applies uniformly across Chandigarh, including areas like Manimajra, where only apartment-style housing in residential societies has received approval.
A senior UT official explained the department's position: "We have to plan as per CMP-2031, and the guidelines clearly prohibit plotted development. This isn't a selective application but a city-wide policy aimed at sustainable urban growth."
Technology Park Housing Saga Continues
The IT Park housing scheme, spread across 123 acres, has encountered multiple obstacles since its inception. CHB's initial proposal involved a high-rise flat-based project on 16.6 acres, but this faced rejection from the National Wildlife Board in 2022.
The NWB raised serious environmental concerns, noting that high-rise structures would:
- Disturb migratory bird flight paths
- Negatively impact the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
- Generate waste, noise, and air pollution concerns
The area falls within the eco-sensitive zone surrounding the sanctuary, making environmental compliance a critical factor in any development approval.
Original Project Specifications
The originally approved scheme, which received CHB board of directors' endorsement in December 2020, envisioned:
- 728 flats across seven-storey towers
- Three categories: 28 four-bedroom, 448 three-bedroom, and 252 two-bedroom units
- Two basement levels providing two-car parking per flat
- Additional surface parking for visitors
- Commercial and institutional spaces alongside residential towers
The project was estimated to cost Rs 643 crore and was planned for two IT Park plots measuring 10.51 acres and 6.43 acres respectively.
Future Development Pathways
With the latest refusal, CHB must now explore alternative development models that comply with both CMP-2031 regulations and environmental norms. Officials indicate that the focus will likely shift back to group housing formats or other permissible development options that align with the city's master plan and environmental protection requirements.
The repeated setbacks highlight the challenges of balancing urban development with environmental conservation and adherence to master planning principles in one of India's most meticulously planned cities.
