First Day of Hearings Draws 12 Stakeholders
The first day of public hearings on proposed amendments to the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031 commenced with 12 stakeholders appearing before the screening committee constituted by the UT Administration. The committee, headed by UT Engineering Secretary Prerna Puri, is tasked with examining objections and suggestions received on the draft proposal. The Administration will finalize the amendments after the hearings.
Strong Opposition to High-Rise Development
Former architects and city residents deposed before the committee, raising strong opposition to the proposal permitting high-rise development in Chandigarh. They argued that vertical expansion could fundamentally alter the city’s planned urban character, place additional pressure on civic infrastructure and services, and compromise the architectural heritage envisioned by French architect Le Corbusier. Participants expressed concern over the impact on traffic, parking, water supply, and other public utilities, stating that the existing infrastructure was not designed to support large-scale vertical growth.
Dhanas Village Seeks Higher FAR
Residents from Dhanas village attended the hearing and sought an increase in the floor area ratio (FAR) in their area. They contended that enhanced FAR norms would enable more efficient utilisation of available land and help address growing housing requirements. According to officials, the representations heard on the opening day were largely related to residential and commercial categories covered under the proposed amendments.
Background of the Public Consultation Process
The Administration had invited objections and suggestions from the public after placing the draft amendments and a subsequent addendum in the public domain last month. Hundreds of representations were received from residents, architects, industry bodies, and other stakeholders. The screening committee has been entrusted with scrutinising these submissions and conducting personal hearings for individuals and organisations wishing to present their views directly. Based on the feedback received, the committee will prepare its recommendations, which are expected to shape revisions to the draft proposals before they are finalised.
Upcoming Hearing Schedule
The hearings will continue until June 28, with subsequent sessions scheduled to cover industrial, public, and periphery-related issues. The committee aims to address all concerns before finalising the amendments to the master plan.
