Governor reviews development, housing projects across Chandigarh

Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria today undertook an extensive site visit to multiple key project sites across the city. The inspection covered major housing projects, ongoing development projects, bulk material site and group housing sites, reflecting a holistic review of Chandigarh’s civic infrastructure, urban planning initiatives and social environment.

During the visit, the Governor inspected the site at IT Habitat project at IT Park, Manimajra (Pocket No. 6), Sanjay Colony in Industrial Area Phase-I, the Government Housing site in Sector 43, the Sub-City Centre in Sector 43, the Chandigarh Housing Board project site in Sector 53, the recently vacated Furniture Market land in Sector 54, and Adarsh Colony in Sector 54.

The focus of the review was on effectively utilising vacant and earmarked lands for sustainable urban living and public welfare projects. Special attention was given to the 70-acre mixed-land use development at Sub-City Centre in Sector 43 and the reclaimed Furniture Market land in Sector 54 to ensure proper zoning, planned utilisation and future-ready development.

While reviewing the housing project in Sector 43 for rental accommodation for government employees, the Governor directed officials to integrate essential service amenities — including dhobi facilities, grocery shops and other basic commercial spaces — in the final layout. He stressed that future residential projects must incorporate dedicated in-house allotment provisions for government employees to reduce reliance on housing rent allowances and enhance long-term administrative efficiency.

As part of the inspection, the Governor visited the Bulk Material Market site in Sector 56, a 55-acre commercial hub crucial to the region’s construction and procurement ecosystem. He interacted with officials to understand operational challenges and emphasised on the need for transparency, orderly functioning and adherence to well-regulated market practices.

Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav suggested that priority should be given to accommodating the Dhanas marble dealers and furniture market shop owners at this proposed site. He also confirmed approval for constructing three-storey buildings on individual plots to reduce merchant costs and optimise space utilisation.

The Governor further visited the Beant Singh Memorial and sought a proposal for its improved utilisation of already constructed buildings and enhanced public access.

At the Chandigarh Housing Board project sites in Sectors 53 and 54, the Governor directed the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) authorities to examine the feasibility of auctioning sites for group housing to expedite development and ensure efficient land use.

The Governor was accompanied by UT Chief Secretary H Rajesh Prasad; Vivek Partap Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor; Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner; Pardeep Kumar, CEO Chandigarh Housing Board; Rajiv Mehta, Chief Architect; CB Ojha, Chief Engineer; and other senior officers of the Chandigarh Administration, CHB and the Municipal Corporation.