Tag: Chandigarh

IndustryLatest Stories

Chandigarh Administration Denies CLU, Industrial Plot Conversion

CHANDIGARH: Despite the Chandigarh administration’s ambitious reform plans, several longstanding demands—such as allowing the conversion of industrial plots to retail commercial use and permitting change of land use (CLU) in villages—are not included in the proposed reforms. “There is a consensus within the administration that issues like change of land use and conversion in the Industrial Area are currently unfeasible. Hence, they will not be part of this reform agenda,” stated a senior UT official. Officials highlighted that both demands pose implementation challenges. “Chandigarh’s villages lack large contiguous land parcels necessary for CLU-based development. A cost-benefit analysis indicates that infrastructure…

Latest StoriesResidential

Chandigarh Accelerates One-Time Relief Policy

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…

Latest StoriesResidential

Pay by May 31 for Property Tax Rebate, Chandigarh Urges Residents

To maximize revenue during the initial two months of the current fiscal year, Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar urged citizens to pay their property taxes within the designated timeline to benefit from available rebates. Residential property owners will enjoy a 20% discount, while commercial property owners will receive a 10% rebate. This offer is valid until May 31. After that date, late payments will incur penalties and interest. The tax revenue is a crucial source for the municipal corporation, aimed at funding essential civic services like sanitation, road maintenance, water supply, and urban development throughout the city. Citizens are also…

IndustryLatest Stories

Chandigarh Plot Owners Demand FAR Parity for Converted Lands

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh administration is poised to raise the floor area ratio (FAR) for industrial plots in Industrial Area Phase 1 and 2. In response, the Chandigarh Industrial Converted Plot Owners Association has requested an increase in FAR, revisions to height norms, and a new policy framework for converted commercial plots. Back in 2005, under the Conversion Policy, approximately 125 industrial plot owners transitioned to commercial activities by paying substantial conversion charges, which ranged from Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per square yard, adding around Rs 1,200 crore to the government’s revenue. Chander Verma, the president of the Chandigarh Industrial…

Latest StoriesResidential

PPCB Protects Homebuyers from Builders’ Eco Violations

PATIALA: The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has mandated that innocent homebuyers will not face penalties for environmental breaches by real estate developers, while still enforcing strict actions against non-compliant builders. This decision follows numerous public appeals and recommendations from a committee of senior officials formed in March. The board noted that previous restrictions on housing and commercial projects due to pollution violations unduly affected buyers who invested their life savings without awareness of these issues. The PPCB’s order dated April 9 pointed out that limitations such as prohibiting sale deeds in non-compliant projects hindered genuine buyers seeking affordable homes.…

IndustryLatest Stories

Chandigarh Boosts FAR to Lower Flat Prices, Permit 6 Floors

Representative AI image CHANDIGARH: To enhance housing affordability and revive the recently stalled Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) project in Sector 53, the UT administration has approved an increase in the permissible Floor Area Ratio (FAR) to 2.4, allowing for the construction of taller residential buildings as part of the proposed group housing scheme. The change, suggested by the urban planning department, will facilitate the construction of buildings up to six stories high. Officials noted that this adjustment is designed to increase the number of housing units, thereby lowering per-unit costs and improving accessibility for buyers. “The revised FAR allows for…

Latest StoriesRegulatory

Punjab Extends Taxpayer One-Time Settlement to May 31

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government announced on Saturday a two-month extension for the One Time Settlement (OTS) scheme aimed at recovering outstanding dues, now extended to May 31, 2026, from the original March 31, 2026 deadline, according to finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Cheema mentioned that the taxation department has received 9,151 applications so far, resulting in a total revenue collection of ₹134.21 crore. The state government has already granted waivers amounting to ₹446.17 crore. “This extension offers a final chance for eligible taxpayers to settle their dues and achieve financial relief. The taxation department has also identified 8,000 properties belonging…

IndustryLatest Stories

Chandigarh Estate Office Shortlists 25 Properties for Auction

CHANDIGARH: In a bid to achieve ambitious revenue goals, the estate office plans to conduct regular property auctions, having shortlisted approximately 25 properties for this financial year. Most of these properties will be residential and sold on a freehold basis. A variety of properties, including residential, commercial, and institutional types, will be auctioned by the end of April. The estate office is ensuring that these properties are free of encumbrances, meaning they will have clear and marketable titles without any mortgages, liens, or legal disputes, ensuring no third-party financial or legal claims are attached. The goal for the estate office…

CommercialLatest Stories

Chandigarh Considers Higher FAR for Commercial Properties

CHANDIGARH: The Chandigarh administration is contemplating an increase in the permissible floor area ratio (FAR) for commercial properties outside the ‘heritage sectors’. The administration has expressed plans to raise the FAR in Industrial Area Phase I and II from the current 0.75 and 1.0 to 2.0. “The decision regarding the FAR increase is currently with the top leadership of the administration. The proposal aims to double the FAR for commercial properties in the Industrial Area and areas beyond the heritage sectors,” sources report. Alongside the FAR increase, adjustments to the coverage area and allowable building heights are also under review.…

IndustryLatest Stories

Punjab govt. unveils industrial reforms, eases lease conversion rules

Representative AI image CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has approved significant industrial reforms, including amendments to facilitate the conversion of leasehold industrial plots and sheds into freehold status, as announced by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora on Tuesday. Arora, responsible for industries, commerce, investment promotion, power, and local government portfolios, noted that the cabinet has also sanctioned the rationalization of post-allotment services for freehold plot holders. The reforms, developed through collaboration with industry stakeholders, are intended to enhance the ease of doing business and foster a transparent and investor-friendly industrial environment. The conversion fee has been set at 5%, with a full…