Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to Debate Major Infrastructure and Policy Agendas
The General House of the Municipal Corporation in Chandigarh is set to convene on Wednesday to discuss a series of significant proposals, including a high-budget dog pound project and reforms in parking management across the city. Officials have highlighted these agendas as critical for urban development and compliance with judicial directives.
Dog Pound Project Aligned with Supreme Court Mandate
At the forefront of the meeting is a proposal for constructing a dedicated dog pound at Sector 25 West, with an estimated cost of Rs 18.42 crore. This project is framed in strict adherence to Supreme Court orders and guidelines from the Animal Welfare Board of India. The initiative follows the apex court's November 7, 2025, directive, which urged civic bodies to urgently identify and develop animal shelters to address stray dog management.
An affidavit submitted by UT Chandigarh on January 29, 2026, assures that the facility will be completed by the target date of September 30, 2026. The proposed infrastructure is designed to accommodate approximately 1,980 dogs through MS steel kennels and sheds, along with administrative and support facilities. The scope of work encompasses composite civil structures, boundary walls, internal roads, water supply systems, an Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), and electrical installations, all based on the Delhi Schedule of Rates (PAR 2023). Officials have certified the proposal as economical, non-duplicative, and in the public interest, with execution planned through competitive tendering within seven months from commencement.
Parking Reforms and Revenue Generation Initiatives
In addition to the dog pound, the House will consider several parking-related agendas aimed at enhancing urban mobility and generating revenue. A key proposal involves converting 213 free parking sites along V-4 roads into paid parking spaces on a trial basis. Currently, Chandigarh has 89 paid parking sites, with 74 managed by the Engineering Wing. The proposal empowers the Superintending Engineer (Buildings and Roads) to identify 20-25 suitable sites at a time for rotational trials, using existing manpower to assess revenue potential. Based on outcomes, viable sites may be permanently converted, while others will remain free.
The meeting will also deliberate on introducing an annual parking pass under the MC One Pass digital system, launched on January 27. This system, already onboarded by over 3,000 users at zero cost to the Corporation, offers a 10% discount with passes priced at Rs 5,400 for cars and Rs 2,700 for two-wheelers compared to cumulative monthly rates.
Clarification on Stilt Parking Tax Rates
Another agenda item seeks to resolve disputes over property tax rates for stilt parking areas, an issue that has led to litigation due to ambiguities in the Property Tax Bye-Laws, 2003. Following appellate directions and deliberations by the House Tax Assessment Committee, it has been recommended that portions of stilt parking where charges are collected be assessed at ground floor rates, while the remaining area be taxed at basement rates. The committee has suggested necessary amendments to the bye-laws and a formal notification from the Chandigarh Administration to settle the matter definitively.
Regulation of Tourist Bus Parking Under Court Orders
The General House will also be asked to approve decisions from a committee constituted under Punjab and Haryana High Court directives regarding tourist bus parking. The court has mandated completion of regulatory exercises by March 31. The committee proposes developing dedicated tourist bus parking sites at Hallo Majra, Manimajra (behind Fun Republic), Manimajra near the cremation ground, and Sarangpur, subject to land transfer approvals. It recommends a monthly parking pass of Rs 3,000 per bus, in addition to the approved Rs 280 per entry per day.
To curb illegal parking, graded penalties have been proposed: Rs 5,000 for the first violation, Rs 10,000 for the second, and Rs 15,000 for the third. In case of a fourth violation, MC Chandigarh would recommend cancellation of the bus permit by the State Transport Authority. Enforcement will be carried out by the Engineering Wing in coordination with the Traffic Police and STA, ensuring strict adherence to regulations.
These agendas reflect Chandigarh Municipal Corporation's proactive approach to addressing urban challenges, from animal welfare to traffic management, while aligning with judicial and regulatory frameworks. The outcomes of the House meeting are anticipated to have significant implications for the city's infrastructure and public services.
