CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh administration is expediting a comprehensive “one-time relief” policy to regularize internal modifications for thousands of residents. With 90% of the city’s 62,000 Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) homes facing building violations, this proposed settlement offers critical support for homeowners who have been under enforcement scrutiny for years.
A path to regularisation
The administration is seeking a pragmatic approach that aligns urban planning with the needs of residents. The core of this new proposal is to offer relief for internal changes and boundary wall modifications that do not encroach on public land.
“The administration is considering how to regularize modifications within the homes, such as internal alterations and veranda extensions. This initiative aims to transform thousands of ‘illegal’ structures into compliant homes. Officials are reviewing successful models from other states to ensure the Chandigarh policy is strong and beneficial for residents,” stated a senior UT official.
No encroachment on public land
While discussions regarding the “one-time relief” policy are ongoing, the administration has issued a firm warning to residents: government land is non-negotiable.
A senior official confirmed that any construction on public land must be removed immediately. The CHB has already prompted thousands of residents to initiate voluntary demolition or face enforcement action.
“Under no circumstances will any construction on government land be regularized,” the administration reiterated in a recent statement. Moreover, residents who have added floors beyond the allowable limits have been informed that they will not be eligible for any future relief.
“The aim is a permanent resolution. By focusing on a one-time settlement for internal modifications, we can offer residents the peace of mind they have sought for 20 years while ensuring the structural integrity of our colonies,” noted a senior UT official.
