Apartment Act, which is likely to lead to bifurcation of big plots of land for construction of flats, is back for those living in the northern sectors as UT administration plans to allow redensification in the scarcely populated areas of the Master Plan. A proposal to this effect, made in 2003, was ultimately scrapped in 2006. The architecture department has taken the plea that master architect Le Corbusier had made a case for redensification to accommodate more people in the first phase of Chandigarh.In a note believed to go back to April 1964, Corbusier had made a brief reference: "At some point of time, there will be a need for redensification of the first phase."
However, whether introduction of Apartment Act by allowing change in land use is in keeping with the vision of the master planner has turned into a contentious issue. It was decided to allow redensification in 2003 when UT was misguided to allow bifurcation of larger plots in the first phase of Chandigarh for construction of multiple flats, which became a serious cause of concern for the city.Once again, it appears that UT is under pressure to consider redensification, citing Corbusier's note.Corbusier had talked of redensification at a time when Mohali and Panchkula had not come up. Also, his contention was to acquire an area and redevelop it with schools, hospitals and other infrastructure and not just allow apartments to put more burden on the infrastructure.
A member of the master plan committee confirmed that the issue had been discussed in the last meeting and most members were of the view that it should be given a go-ahead, provided UT adopts a guarded approach and does not allow tampering with the character of heritage zones.
There are several kanal houses in sectors 1 to 15 that are occupied by old couples whose children are settled away. Many of these owners would be keen for change of land use to bifurcate plots so that it could be used by more than one family.
Part of the Dream Weave Walk Network 1998-2012