Subhechcha Ganguly 
The much-anticipated General Housing Scheme in Sector 53, launched by the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), has hit a bureaucratic roadblock, leaving thousands of applicants in limbo. Despite a strong response in the recently concluded demand survey, CHB officials have yet to submit the survey results, stalling the project’s progress.
The demand survey, which concluded on March 3, saw an overwhelming response, with 7,468 applicants expressing interest in the 372 flats available across three categories. The survey was conducted on the direction of UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, who is also the CHB chairman, following a presentation for the scheme’s revival in January. However, over a month later, no progress has been made.
Applicants had already deposited ₹10,000 for High-Income Group (HIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) flats, while those applying for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category paid ₹5,000. The response was substantial, with 5,081 applications for 192 HIG units, 1,269 applications for 100 MIG units, and 1,118 applicants vying for 80 EWS flats.
Despite the strong demand, CHB CEO Ajay Chagti directed a reduction in EWS flats, citing “low demand.” However, the engineering department objected, stating that under Chandigarh Building Rules (CBR), 15% of total flats—equating to 80 of the planned 492—must be reserved for EWS housing. Any reduction would require plan revisions and fresh approvals from RERA and the Pollution Control Board, potentially delaying the project by another six months.
Chagti assured that the scheme will be presented again in an upcoming CHB Board of Directors meeting. However, given the board’s history of delays—the last meeting took place in February after a 20-month gap—the project’s future remains uncertain, prolonging the wait for eager homebuyers.
