Chandigarh’s skyline set to change: 30-metre towers planned, old sectors to stay low-rise

CHANDIGARH. Chandigarh, known for decades as a low-rise planned city, is preparing to build upwards. The UT Administration has sent a set of amended building rules to the Union Home Ministry. If cleared, they will allow housing blocks up to 30 metres tall in Phase III sectors and near Maloya, more floors for factories and a fifth floor for homes in Manimajra.

The northern Phase I and II sectors, which give Chandigarh its familiar look, will not change. The new rules leave their low-rise character untouched.

Real estate developers’ body NAREDCO has backed the plan. “Preserving the heritage character of old Chandigarh while creating new residential destinations is a balanced approach that can benefit both homebuyers and the city’s long-term urban development,” said Parveen Jain, President, NAREDCO.

The changes will come into force only after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approves them.

Towers in Phase III and near Maloya

The biggest change will be seen in the newer parts of the city. About 146 acres of vacant land in Phase III sectors and the periphery could be used for high-density housing. Another 215 acres or so, allotted to the Chandigarh Housing Board years ago but still lying undeveloped, could also be built on.

A group housing project will need a minimum of three acres. It can have a floor area ratio (FAR) of up to 3.0 and rise to 30 metres. FAR is the total floor space allowed on a plot compared with the plot’s size. Phase III sectors currently have an FAR of 1.2. Under the new rules, buildings can have up to four floors along with stilt parking.

Near Maloya, about 178 acres of Pocket-7 have been marked for high-rise homes. The plan allows about 250 people per acre and aims for planned housing growth in the area.

The Administration does not plan to allot new individual residential plots. Most new homes in the city will be flats.

Jain said the move would help people who have struggled to find a home in the city. “It will also create opportunities for buyers who wish to own homes in Chandigarh but have limited options due to land constraints and restricted development in the existing sectors,” he said.

Manimajra gets an extra floor

In Manimajra’s Pocket-6, the floor limit will go from four to five, including stilt parking. This will come only after a traffic impact study and other required studies are done.

Factories can expand without moving out

Industrial units in Phase I and II will get more room to grow. Plots up to two kanal will get an FAR of 2.0, 60% ground coverage and a maximum height of 68 feet 3 inches. Bigger plots will also get an FAR of 2.0 and 60% ground coverage.

Owners can choose to follow either architectural control or zoning rules. Commercial activity inside industrial units will remain banned.

For the first time, factories can also build homes for their workers on their premises. Plots up to one acre can use 5% of their total FAR for worker housing, and larger plots 2.5%. These homes cannot be rented out, leased or used for any business.

Sector 43 and Industrial Area Phase III to get busier

Mixed land use, where homes, shops and offices can share the same area, will be expanded. About 78 acres around the Sector 43 sub-city centre and 60 acres in Industrial Area Phase III will be added. This raises the city’s mixed-use area from 252 acres to about 390 acres.

Around 153 acres of Industrial Area Phase III will be planned afresh.

Bigger campuses for students

Colleges and institutes in the Sarangpur institutional area and Education City will be allowed to cover 40% of their plots, up from 20% now. They will get an FAR of 2.5 and can build up to 30 metres.

In Phase III and the periphery, schools will get an FAR of 1.5 and colleges 2.0.

City services will need to catch up

More buildings will mean more demand for water, sewerage, electricity and roads. The UT engineering department and the Municipal Corporation will have to increase their capacity. Sewage treatment plants will also need to handle more load.

“Adequate infrastructure and connectivity will be crucial to making this growth sustainable,” Jain said.

How the rules were framed

An expert committee prepared the draft. It was then made public, and a governing committee held a public hearing before submitting its report. The Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee cleared the amendments at its meeting in September.

The Administration says the revised rules are more practical and will help both housing and industry in the city. The final word now lies with the Union Home Ministry.