Chandigarh DC to schools: Free 20% parking area or face demolition

The Chandigarh Deputy Commissioner has issued notices to all 79 private schools in the city, mandating the use of 20% of their parking areas for designated purposes as originally approved in their building plans. The directive, issued after a review at the FOSWAC (Forum for School Welfare and Academic Cooperation) meeting, mandates compliance within a specified timeframe, with non-compliance leading to demolition of unauthorized structures.

The directive stems from long-standing concerns about unauthorized construction and encroachment on designated parking spaces within school premises. Many schools have, over time, converted portions of their parking lots into additional classrooms, event spaces, or unauthorized structures, encroaching on designated zones. The administration has emphasized that these areas were explicitly designated in original building plans and must be maintained.

The directive was issued after a review of compliance records and site inspections revealed widespread violations. Multiple schools were found to have constructed additional structures, including classrooms, auditoriums, and administrative offices, within designated parking zones. These encroachments not only violate municipal building regulations but also reduce available parking for staff, students, and visitors.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the directive is not new but a enforcement action on existing regulations. ‘The 20% parking provision was part of the original building plan approvals. Schools must use this space as intended or face consequences,’ the official stated. ‘We have issued notices to all 79 private schools. Compliance must be demonstrated within the stipulated timeframe.’

Source: Hindustan Times