Centre Objects to Eco-Sensitive Zone Construction, Stalls Chandigarh Housing Board's Ambitious Project

CHANDIGARH: In a setback for prospective homebuyers in Chandigarh, the proposed housing project slated for construction within the city's IT Park by the Chandigarh Housing Board has been abruptly canceled. The cancellation stems from environmental concerns as the designated site falls within an eco-sensitive zone, necessitating governmental approval which was not granted. The project encompassed plans for a hospital, a school, and a premium five-star hotel in addition to residential spaces.

The Chandigarh Housing Board encountered a roadblock when seeking clearance from the Central Government for the IT Park housing initiative. The government raised objections centered around the presence of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, emphasizing that tall structures near the sanctuary could impede migratory bird pathways. Furthermore, the potential pollution generated by residential and commercial activities posed a threat to the avian habitat.

The Chandigarh administration argued for the project's approval, asserting that the proposed housing complex was situated at a safe distance of 1.25 kilometers from the eco-sensitive zone, thus permitting construction activities. Initially, in 2017, an area extending up to 2.75 kilometers was designated as an eco-sensitive zone. However, this designation was later relaxed to accommodate construction projects.

The housing development envisioned by the Chandigarh Housing Board aimed to construct a total of 728 houses across three different categories, offering four-bedroom, three-bedroom, and two-bedroom options. The prices were set at Rs 2.75 crore for a four-bedroom unit, Rs 1.90 crore for a three-bedroom unit, and Rs 1.30 crore for a two-bedroom unit.

Despite this setback, the Chandigarh Housing Board is initiating an affordable housing scheme in Sector 53, planning to construct 340 two-bedroom and three-bedroom flats. However, a prior objection raised by Chandigarh Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit led to the rejection of this particular housing endeavor.