Sector 67 residents seek three-floor limit on clubbed commercial plots

Residents of Sector 67 in Chandigarh have raised concerns over the recent consolidation of three commercial plots into a single site. In a representation submitted to Punjab housing and urban development minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, NS Kalsi, president of the local Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA), argued that the three plots should not have been clubbed together. The representation calls for a cap of three floors on any development that results from the merger.

The three plots, originally designated for separate commercial use, were merged by the planning authority as part of a broader effort to streamline land use in the sector. While the move may simplify administrative processes, Kalsi and other resident representatives say it could lead to unchecked height and density, affecting the character of the neighbourhood.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Kalsi emphasized that the request is not about opposing development but about ensuring that growth respects existing living conditions. “We are not against progress,” he said, “but the three-floor ceiling would help maintain a balance between commercial viability and the quality of life for those who live nearby.”

The representation does not specify exact measurements for the plots, nor does it outline detailed objections beyond the floor limit. It simply asks the minister to intervene and direct the competent authority to enforce the three-floor restriction on any future construction that emerges from the clubbed site.

Local officials have acknowledged the submission. A senior official from the housing department, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the matter would be examined in the context of existing zoning regulations and the broader urban development plan for Chandigarh. No timeline for a decision has been announced.

Sector 67, like many other parts of the city, has seen increasing pressure for mixed-use developments as the region seeks to accommodate a growing population. The clubbed plots represent a microcosm of this tension: on one hand, combining the sites could facilitate larger commercial projects that generate revenue; on the other, it raises questions about the impact on traffic, pedestrian space, and the visual skyline.

The residents’ appeal reflects a broader pattern in Chandigarh where community groups frequently engage with the municipal administration on matters of urban planning. Such representations are a routine part of the city’s participatory governance framework, allowing citizens to voice concerns directly to elected officials.

While the minister’s response is pending, the discussion underscores the importance of transparent planning processes. Residents hope that the three-floor limit will serve as a safeguard, ensuring that any development respects the scale of the neighbourhood and does not overwhelm existing infrastructure.

In recent years, similar concerns have arisen in other sectors of Chandigarh, where residents have advocated for height restrictions and density controls to preserve the city’s planned layout. The current issue in Sector 67 adds to that ongoing dialogue, highlighting the need for ongoing community involvement in decision-making.

The representation also touches on a procedural point: the clubbing of plots was carried out without a public consultation that many residents say should have been mandatory. By seeking ministerial intervention, the RWA aims to reopen the conversation and ensure that affected parties have a say in the final outcome.

No official comment from the minister’s office has been released yet. The housing department has indicated that it will review the representation in accordance with established protocols.

As the city continues to evolve, the outcome of this request could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled across Chandigarh. For now, the residents of Sector 67 await the minister’s response, hopeful that their appeal will shape a more measured approach to future commercial development.

The situation remains a reminder that urban planning is not just a technical exercise but a community matter, where local voices can influence the built environment. Whether the three-floor limit becomes an official directive will depend on the minister’s assessment and the broader policy considerations of the housing department.

Source: source