UrbanDevelopment – Chandigarh Seeks Balance Between Heritage and Growth
UrbanDevelopment – Chandigarh is preparing for a new phase of structured growth, with the administration aiming to preserve its architectural legacy while expanding infrastructure to meet modern demands.
Balancing Heritage With Expansion
Chandigarh Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, a 1995-batch IAS officer from the AGMUT cadre, said the city’s distinctive identity must remain intact even as development gains momentum. Over the past decade, urban expansion has slowed, partly due to concerns over protecting heritage sectors designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier.
The first phase of the city, covering Sectors 1 to 30, falls within a protected heritage zone. Supreme Court directives regarding these areas continue to guide planning decisions. However, authorities acknowledge the increasing demand for commercial space, housing, and industrial activity. Industry bodies have advocated for a higher floor area ratio (FAR), while many residents have called for tighter controls to preserve the city’s character.
Prasad said the administration’s priority is to strike a careful balance. Planned vertical development beyond the heritage sectors is being considered as a practical solution, given limited land availability and growing population pressure.
Infrastructure Upgrades in Health and Sports
Health services are among the administration’s major focus areas. Approval has been granted for a ₹60-crore critical care centre along with an 80-bed hospital in Manimajra. Additionally, early-stage planning is underway for a 500-bed hospital intended to strengthen the city’s medical infrastructure.
Sports facilities are also set for improvement. The stadium in Sector 42 is being upgraded to include an international-standard swimming pool. Officials say efforts are underway to identify and nurture young sporting talent, with the aim of helping them compete at national and international events.
Education infrastructure is being modernized as well. Government schools are being aligned with PM Shri standards, introducing smart classrooms and upgraded facilities. Anganwadi centres are also receiving improved infrastructure to enhance early childhood education services.
Waste Management and Environmental Goals
Solid waste management remains a challenge, particularly after Chandigarh’s ranking declined in the Swachh Survekshan survey. According to officials, door-to-door waste collection now covers around 90 percent of the city, and efforts are ongoing to address gaps in rural areas.
To move toward cleaner energy goals, rooftop solar panels have been installed on government buildings. Plans are in place to extend solar installations to private homes in the coming phase. The administration says these measures are part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable urban development.
Master Plan 2031 Under Review
The Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, originally notified in 2015 after consultations with stakeholders, is now under review as the city prepares for the next planning cycle. A committee of senior officers is examining future planning requirements, taking into account updated urban needs and the Union government’s deregulation framework.
Officials say any new planning blueprint will continue to respect the city’s architectural principles while enabling economic growth in trade, commerce, and housing.
Reclaimed Land to Be Developed Through Private Participation
Last year, Chandigarh declared itself slum-free following demolition drives that reclaimed over 500 acres of land. The administration now plans to develop these areas in a phased and structured manner.
The strategy includes auctioning sites transparently to private developers for industrial, commercial, and residential projects. For housing, group housing societies are being considered. Necessary legislative adjustments are under examination, and officials expect procedural formalities to conclude within weeks.
Authorities believe this planned expansion on the city’s periphery will help accommodate future growth without compromising protected heritage sectors.
As Chandigarh moves forward, the administration maintains that careful urban planning will remain central to shaping a city that respects its past while preparing for future demands.