Chandigarh: Include left-out areas under mixed land use provisions, bizmen tell administration

Chandigarh’s municipal administration is moving to amend its land‑use policy, proposing that the Industrial Area in Phase III be opened to mixed‑use development. The change would permit residential and commercial activities alongside existing industrial units, a step aimed at addressing gaps identified in the current zoning framework.

Under the draft amendment, areas that have so far been excluded from the mixed‑use regime would be brought under the same provisions that apply to other parts of the city. This would allow property owners to adapt buildings for a broader range of purposes, reflecting the shifting demands of businesses and the growing need for integrated urban spaces.

Industrialists, however, point out that many of the older industrial sectors already host a substantial number of functional units that are grappling with evolving market conditions. They argue that the existing zoning does not reflect the reality of firms that operate both production and service activities within the same premises, and that greater flexibility is required to stay competitive.

In discussions with the administration, representatives of the business community emphasized that the amendment could help align the Industrial Area with contemporary economic realities. They urged the authorities to consider the needs of the existing functional units while drafting the final provisions.

The UT administration has indicated that it will review the suggestion and refine the proposal before presenting it for final approval. Officials said the revised policy will balance the interests of industrial stakeholders with the broader goals of inclusive urban development.

If implemented, the mixed‑use framework could reshape the character of the Industrial Area, encouraging new enterprises and residential projects to coexist with factories. The development may also influence commuting patterns and the availability of services for workers, though the exact outcomes will depend on how the final rules are formulated.

The discussion underscores a larger conversation about land‑use planning in Chandigarh, where officials and industry representatives are navigating the challenges of modernising infrastructure while preserving the operational integrity of established industrial zones.

The proposal is part of a wider effort by the municipal body to rationalise land use across the city, aiming to make better use of available space and to support a more diversified economy. By allowing residential and commercial activities within industrial zones, the administration hopes to reduce pressure on peripheral areas and to provide greater convenience for workers and businesses alike.

Historically, the Industrial Area in Phase III was designated primarily for manufacturing, with limited scope for other activities. Over time, the evolving nature of work and the rise of service‑based enterprises have highlighted the need for a more flexible planning approach.

Officials have noted that the change could bring new investment while emphasizing the need for safety standards and environmental considerations.

The draft is expected to be circulated for public feedback before the administration finalises the amendment, though no specific date for implementation has been announced.

The title of the discussion, “Include left‑out areas under mixed land use provisions,” reflects the core objective of the amendment: By doing so, the city hopes to integrate these areas with the broader urban fabric, enabling a smoother transition for businesses that operate across multiple sectors.

Source: Hindustan Times