Chandigarh administration is planning big changes in the city’s future development. The plan allows more high-rise buildings and higher population density in housing areas. Officials say this will help manage the growing population and limited land in the city.
However, many architects and urban planning experts have raised concerns. They say Chandigarh may not be fully ready for such a major change in its building style and population load.
The proposed changes are part of updates to the Master Plan 2031. The draft has been approved for public discussion.
For many years, Chandigarh has been known for its low-rise buildings, wide roads, green spaces and open design. The city was carefully planned to give people sunlight, fresh air and less crowding.
Now, the administration wants to allow taller buildings and group housing projects to increase the number of people living in the same area.
Officials say Chandigarh was originally planned for about five lakh people. But the population has now crossed ten lakh and continues to grow.
Because land inside the city is limited, authorities believe vertical development, meaning taller buildings, may be necessary.
Around 361 acres of land may be used for high-density housing projects. Areas like sectors 48 to 56, 61 and 63, and outer parts of the city are included in the plan.
In some places like Maloya, more people may be allowed to live in the same space than before.
However, experts are asking an important question: can Chandigarh’s roads, water supply and public services handle so many more people?
ALSO READ: China coal mine explosion kills at least 82, rescue teams search for trapped workers
ALSO READ: Why overthinking gets worse after midnight, according to experts
Many architects say the main concern is that infrastructure planning is not happening first.
They believe the government should first study whether Chandigarh has enough water, electricity, sewage systems, roads and public services to support more people.
Officials say detailed infrastructure studies will be done later, after the plan is approved. They also say improvements will be made step by step as development grows.
But experts argue that this approach may create problems in the future.
Former chief architect Ashwani Sabharwal said that while higher density housing may be needed, infrastructure should be ready first.
He explained that if buildings are built first and people move in, the city systems may become overloaded.
He also said there is no clear study showing whether Chandigarh’s current systems can handle a large increase in population.
According to him, an independent and detailed study should be done before any major construction begins.
This study should check roads, water supply, electricity networks and sewage capacity.
Experts also say that social facilities must be considered.
If more people live in the city, then schools, hospitals, parks and community spaces must also increase.
Without this, quality of life may reduce even if housing improves.
Architect Kapil Setia also raised concerns about increasing FAR, which stands for Floor Area Ratio.
FAR decides how much construction is allowed on a piece of land.
If FAR is increased, taller and larger buildings can be built, which also increases population density.
Setia said higher density will put more pressure on roads, water systems and public services.
He believes planning should be based on proper data and studies instead of assumptions.
Experts say a data-based approach would help the city grow in a more balanced way.
Another major concern is the possible end of new plotted housing in Chandigarh.
The proposal suggests that instead of individual houses on plots, future housing will mostly be group housing or apartments.
Some empty spaces in older sectors may also be used for new buildings.
Architects say this could change the identity of Chandigarh.
The city was originally designed with low-rise homes, open spaces and a calm environment.
Veteran architect SK Midha warned that rapid high-rise development without proper planning has already created problems in nearby cities like Zirakpur and parts of Gurgaon.
He said such areas often face traffic jams, water shortages, overloaded sewage systems and overcrowding.
He warned that Chandigarh could face similar problems if planning is not done carefully.
Midha also said that even now, some public services like schools are already under pressure in certain areas.
He explained that earlier planners designed Chandigarh with controlled population density to maintain balance and comfort.
Architect Deepika Gandhi also said that high-rise buildings may affect the original look and feel of Chandigarh.
She explained that the city was planned to have good sunlight, ventilation and open views.
Tall buildings in a low-rise city layout may block sunlight and reduce airflow.
She also said that narrow gaps between tall buildings could make some areas feel crowded.
According to her, more residents will also mean more traffic, more vehicles and more pressure on roads.
She added that public services like parks, schools, clinics and community spaces must be expanded if population increases.
She suggested that instead of changing existing sectors, it may be better to develop new townships designed for high-rise living.
Such new areas can be planned from the beginning for taller buildings and higher density.
For now, the Chandigarh administration says infrastructure improvements will be done step by step as development happens.
But experts believe careful planning should come first.
The main debate is whether the city should build more housing first or strengthen infrastructure first.
As discussions continue, planners, officials and citizens are watching closely to see how Chandigarh balances growth with its long-standing identity as a well-planned and green city.
Copyright © © 2022 Copyright. All Rights Reserved with Arth Parkash