Chandigarh Housing Board Seeks Zoning Approval for Auction of Sector 53 Land

Chandigarh Housing Board Initiates Zoning Request for Sector 53 Land

The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) is moving forward with plans to auction part of the land in Sector 53. Under the directions of UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, CHB aims to divide 21 acres of land, with half of it designated for auction to a private developer. This proposal has sparked concerns among local residents and welfare groups, as it could potentially conflict with the city’s 2031 Master Plan and diverge from CHB’s core mission of providing affordable housing.

Rising Housing Costs Spark Concerns Over Affordability

Originally planned for launch earlier this year, the housing scheme in Sector 53 has encountered delays due to escalating construction costs. The prices for High-Income Group (HIG), Medium-Income Group (MIG), and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) units have surged by approximately 35-40% since April. As a result, the anticipated affordability of the scheme has been compromised. According to a report from the Hindustan Times, prices for these units are now substantially higher than initially projected, further complicating the housing affordability issue in Chandigarh.

CHB Faces Criticism Over Auction Proposal

Baljinder Singh Bittu, chairperson of the Federation of Sector Welfare Associations Chandigarh (FOSWAC), has voiced strong opposition to the proposed auction. He claims that CHB, originally established in 1976 with the mandate of providing affordable housing, is now acting like a real estate developer rather than serving its public housing mission. Bittu emphasizes that the 2031 Master Plan designates this land strictly for housing, making the auction proposal a direct violation of the plan’s guidelines.

In response to these concerns, UT Administrator Kataria has directed the UT chief architect to evaluate the feasibility of dividing the Sector 53 land into two parts: one for auction and the other to remain dedicated to housing. The chief architect is also tasked with assessing potential increases in floor area ratio (FAR), building height, and density in the housing section to ensure the scheme remains financially viable while keeping the units affordable.

Delay in Sector 53 Housing Scheme and Rising Costs

The CHB’s housing scheme in Sector 53, which was initially expected to launch before Diwali 2024, now faces further delays. The prices of flats are now estimated to be ₹2.30 crore for a three-bedroom unit, ₹1.97 crore for a two-bedroom unit, and ₹74 lakh for an EWS unit. These higher prices are a result of a 35-40% increase in the collector rates since April. The drastic rise in prices is putting a strain on the financial accessibility of these housing units.

Despite these challenges, there is still significant demand for CHB housing in the city. A demand survey conducted earlier this year received 7,468 applications for just 372 flats, illustrating the strong desire for affordable housing in Chandigarh. However, as the prices have increased, the financial feasibility of the project has come under question. In 2023, similar plans for Sector 53 were shelved due to high costs and low application numbers, with many applicants citing the unaffordability of the proposed flats.

Potential Impact of Zoning Approval and Upcoming Developments

As the Chandigarh Housing Board seeks zoning approval for the proposed land division, tensions between the administration, urban planners, and resident groups are expected to intensify. The potential auction of part of the Sector 53 land has created a clash of interests, with concerns that it could further erode CHB’s commitment to providing affordable housing.

The proposal has now taken a step closer to implementation, setting the stage for significant developments in the coming months. With ongoing debates surrounding land use and affordability, the future of the housing project in Sector 53 remains uncertain.

Source: https://torbitrealty.com/chandigarh-housing-board-seeks-zoning-approval-to-auction-part-of-sector-53-land/

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