Chandigarh MC Proposes 100-Fold Increase in Greenbelt Encroachment Fine
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) has proposed a dramatic 100-fold increase in the penalty for encroachment on greenbelts and government land adjacent to residential properties. Under the new proposal, the fine would rise from the current Rs 50 to Rs 5,000 for any violation of the Chandigarh (Control and Regulation of Hedges and Fences) Bye-laws, 1971.
In addition to the penalty hike, the civic body has also recommended increasing the annual licence fee for erecting or re-erecting hedges and fences on municipal land adjoining residential areas along V-5 and V-6 road berms. The proposed fee is Rs 2 per square foot per year, up from the existing Rs 0.25 per square foot per year — an eight-fold increase.
Agenda for General House Meeting
The proposal to revise the fees and penalties is set to be placed before the MC's General House meeting scheduled for Monday. The move comes as part of the corporation's broader efforts to boost revenue generation amid a shortage of funds.
The existing penalty of Rs 50 was fixed in 1971 and has remained unchanged for over five decades. The MC has argued that this amount is no longer an effective deterrent against encroachment, especially given the current income levels and land values in the city.
High Court Directive Accelerates Action
The proposed revision follows a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. In an order dated March 7, 2026, the High Court, while hearing a writ petition concerning encroachments on government land, directed the UT Administration to expedite the process of revising the Rs 50 penalty. The court observed that the fine, set in 1971, is an insufficient deterrent in view of prevailing income standards and requires immediate revision. The court also urged authorities to consider other penal measures to prevent repeated encroachments on public areas and greenbelts.
Revenue Generation and Licensing Details
The MC's Horticulture Wing is responsible for granting licences under the 1971 bye-laws for erecting or re-erecting hedges and fences on government land adjoining residential buildings. The Secretary Estate, Chandigarh Administration, has designated the Superintending Engineer, Horticulture and Electrical, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, as the Licensing Officer to issue these permissions.
By increasing the licence fee from Rs 0.25 to Rs 2 per sq ft annually, the MC aims to generate additional revenue while also regulating the use of municipal land. The move is part of a series of steps the corporation is taking to address its financial constraints.
Impact on Residents and Property Owners
Residents who have erected hedges or fences on municipal land adjoining their properties without proper licences will now face significantly higher penalties if the proposal is approved. The new fine of Rs 5,000 represents a major escalation from the nominal Rs 50 charge that had been in place for decades. Property owners are advised to ensure compliance with the bye-laws to avoid hefty fines.
The MC hopes that the steep penalty will act as a strong deterrent against unauthorized encroachments on greenbelts and public land, which have been a persistent issue in Chandigarh. The proposal also aligns with the High Court's observation that stricter measures are needed to protect public spaces.
