Civil society organisations and residents have urged the UT Administration to strengthen civic infrastructure and undertake comprehensive studies before implementing the proposed amendments to the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031 (CMP-2031).
In a representation submitted to the Urban Planning Department, the Second Innings Association (SIA), a citizens’ group comprising senior residents, has stated that the proposed changes are inconsistent with the original philosophy and planning principles of the CMP-2031. The group maintained that the master plan was prepared to preserve Chandigarh’s planned urban character, regulate sustainable growth and maintain the city’s distinctive low-rise, low-density development pattern.
Its president, RK Garg, said the proposed amendments sought to introduce peripheral high-rise development, increased densification and fragmentation of industrial plots, fundamentally altering the city’s planning assumptions. According to the association, such transformative changes require a comprehensive review of the master plan rather than selective amendments.
The association has alleged that the proposals were made without conducting urban impact assessments or public consultations. It claimed that no studies relating to traffic management, parking requirements, water availability, sewage capacity or disaster resilience were placed in the public domain to demonstrate that Chandigarh’s existing infrastructure could sustain a vertical expansion. The proposed high-rise and multi-storey group housing complexes to be developed on the city’s periphery could disrupt the planned skyline, visual harmony and architectural continuity that form the foundation of Chandigarh’s identity, stated the association.
It warned that unchecked densification could place excessive pressure on roads, parking facilities, water supply network, sewerage, drainage and waste management infrastructure.
Allowing fragmentation of larger industrial plots could encourage unregulated commercialisation and gradual erosion of the city’s industrial planning discipline.
Seeking greater public participation, the association urged the administration to hold transparent public hearings involving residents, urban planners, architects, environmental experts and other stakeholders before taking any final decision.
Meanwhile, the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) of the Modern Housing Complex (MHC), Sector 13, has submitted a separate set of recommendations focusing on local infrastructure needs. Its president, Col Gursewak Singh (retd), highlighted the need for a multi-level parking facility in the area, citing high vehicle ownership and the absence of designated parking spaces. He said vehicles were often parked on roads and pedestrian pathways, leading to congestion and disputes among residents.
The association has also sought dedicated playgrounds for children, noting that the area has no recreational spaces as land previously used for sports activities is now utilised for the 24×7 water supply project. Additionally, it has proposed the development of a green belt with a walking track on adjoining government land to provide safe spaces for pedestrians.
The Chandigarh Administration had invited public objections and suggestions on the draft amendments before finalising changes to the city’s master plan. According to sources, nearly 60 suggestions and objections have been submitted so far.
