Chandigarh Estate Office dismantles illegal structures at Elante Mall

Chandigarh: The UT Estate Office today carried out a demolition drive at Elante Mall, Industrial Area, Phase I, here to remove unauthorised structures raised in violation of the sanctioned building plan.

“During the demolition drive, illegal structures and temporary installations were dismantled to restore the premises to its sanctioned layout,” said Deputy Commissioner-cum-Estate Officer Nishant Kumar Yadav.

During an inspection conducted on August 8, a team of the Estate Office found multiple bylaw violations the mall. Accordingly, a show-cause notice was issued to the lessee. After providing proper and sufficient opportunity of hearing, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (East), exercising the powers of Estate Officer, passed the demolition orders.

Major violations included conversion of approximately 22,000 sq ft area of parking into landscaping/greenery; operation of an open café/restaurant with a temporary shed and seating arrangement near Hyatt Regency without approval (3,000 sq ft); and running of non-sanctioned activities such as staff mess, washrooms and a day care centre in the basement (3,000 sq ft).

The other violations included elevation and temporary iron structure erected on the rear side of Hyatt Regency near the Anita Dongre shop, a temporary shed installed at the valet parking entry, change in internal planning of Hyatt Regency by converting a portion into a shop/store under the name Anita Dongre on the rear side; misuse of parking area P21 at the back of Hyatt Regency as a storage facility with a temporary shed and brick wall; a Hamleys slide connecting the 3rd and 2nd floors without prior approval; and provision of temporary wooden storage in Basement 2 against the completion plan.

Yadav emphasised that all constructions and modifications on leasehold or freehold properties must strictly conform to the approved building plans and the provisions of the Capital of Punjab (Development & Regulation) Act, 1952, and the Chandigarh Estate Rules, 2007. “Unauthorised alterations not only violate planning norms but also compromise public safety and the architectural discipline of the city,” he added.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Elante, said: “We are working closely with the local authorities to ensure that the mall premises remains fully compliant with all regulations and guidelines. The authorities have undertaken certain actions as part of their compliance drive, and we are extending our full cooperation. As a responsible corporate and a proud part of the Tricity community, we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance and compliance.”