Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has approved the revised need-based changes policy of the Chandigarh Housing Board, a move that brings significant relief to thousands of residents in Chandigarh. For decades, homeowners living in CHB flats have made structural alterations to accommodate growing families and modern needs, often facing uncertainty about legality and possible penalties. The latest decision seeks to address those concerns while maintaining planning norms.
The approval follows a detailed review by a high-level committee formed by the UT Administration to reassess the January 3, 2023 order on need-based changes. The panel examined the Supreme Court’s directive to freeze the Floor Area Ratio, feedback from residents, and the practical realities across CHB colonies. Based on its recommendations, the Administrator has allowed implementation of most provisions of the 2023 policy while excluding a few that were found unsafe or impractical.
Officials have directed the housing board to immediately enforce Clauses 2-21 and 24, 26-28 of the order. Out of the total 28 clauses, four have been dropped. Authorities say the selective rollout will help regularize widespread modifications without compromising structural safety or urban planning discipline.
The decision is particularly significant because CHB has constructed nearly 68,000 flats across categories over the past forty years, and estimates suggest that about 80 percent of these homes now contain some form of alteration. Many residents had feared demolition drives or strict penalties if building rules were enforced rigidly. The revised policy offers a clearer framework and a measure of legal protection for genuine need-based changes.
However, the committee rejected several proposed relaxations. Construction of new projecting balconies extending into front or rear courtyards was denied due to safety concerns, especially in older buildings not designed to carry additional load. Similarly, the idea of installing rooftop solar panels across all units was deemed impractical because many structures cannot support the weight without major reinforcement. Plans to replace existing brick boundary walls with flexible or sliding gates were also turned down to preserve structural stability and the uniform look of the housing complexes.
Another key observation was that the Chandigarh Building Rules (Urban), 2017 cannot be applied uniformly to CHB housing units, particularly in areas such as Sectors 46, 43, 38 (West), and Manimajra. Unlike independently built houses, these flats follow specific design templates and density patterns, requiring a different regulatory approach.
The need-based changes policy has evolved repeatedly over the years. Earlier versions in 2010, 2015, and 2016 allowed certain projections and balconies for some duplex flats, but later revisions in 2019 and 2023 classified many of those modifications as violations. This shifting stance created confusion among residents, many of whom had already invested in alterations based on earlier permissions.
Resident representatives have welcomed the latest approval but remain cautious. Nirmal Dutt, chairman of the CHB Residents’ Federation, expressed hope that the concessions would ease long-standing worries. At the same time, he warned that strict enforcement of bylaws without considering ground realities could undo the relief and push residents back into uncertainty.
Officials insist that the objective is not blanket relaxation but a balanced solution that protects both residents and the city’s planned character. By acknowledging widespread alterations while setting clear limits, the administration aims to ensure transparency, safety, and legal compliance.
The implementation of the revised policy is expected to affect thousands of households, many of whom have waited years for clarity. For now, the decision marks a major step toward resolving one of Chandigarh’s most persistent housing issues, offering residents reassurance that their homes will not be treated as violations overnight.
Summary — Key Highlights:
Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria approves revised CHB need-based changes policy; majority of 2023 provisions to be implemented immediately with some exclusions; nearly 80% of CHB flats have structural alterations; new projecting balconies, sliding gates, and universal solar installations rejected; building rules to be applied differently for CHB housing types; residents welcome relief but remain watchful about future enforcement.