Tricity
Chandigarh MC proposes eight‑fold rise in hedge licence fee
Chandigarh MC proposes raising hedge licence fees from ₹0.25 to ₹2 per sq ft and penalties from ₹50 to ₹5,000, with a vote scheduled for Monday.
The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has announced a proposal to revise the annual licence fee for hedge maintenance. The plan, which will be presented to the corporation’s general house for a vote on Monday, seeks to raise the charge from the current ₹0.25 per square foot to ₹2 per square foot, an increase of eight times.
At present, hedge owners pay a fee for the right to keep hedges on their properties, a charge that has remained unchanged. Under the new schedule, the cost would rise to ₹2 for every square foot of hedge area, a step that would bring the charge in line with other municipal fees across the city.
The proposal also introduces a steep escalation in the penalty for violations. The fine for violations, which currently stands at ₹50, would be increased to ₹5,000. This measure is intended to deter non‑compliance.
The general house, the corporation’s main decision‑making body, will convene on Monday to review the draft resolution. If the resolution is passed, the new rates will take effect after the meeting.
The proposal seeks to align the fee with the cost of maintaining hedges. The adjustment reflects an effort to ensure the fee more closely matches the services provided.
The increase in the penalty aims to deter non‑compliance. The existing fine of ₹50 would rise to ₹5,000, creating a stronger incentive for licence holders to follow the stipulated norms.
The general house, the corporation’s main decision‑making body, will convene on Monday to review the draft resolution. If the resolution is passed, the new rates will take effect after the meeting.
Local residents who own or maintain hedges will be required to take note of the proposed changes. The revised fee structure will apply to all hedge licences, regardless of the size of the hedge or the location of the property.
The announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about urban planning and the management of green infrastructure in Chandigarh. As the city continues to expand, the regulation of vegetation may influence future development patterns.
Source: Hindustan Times