In response to the housing shortage for government employees, the Chandigarh administration is in the process of planning the construction of 500 government houses in the city. The initiative aims to provide housing for the police department as well as general housing for UT employees. Identified locations for construction include Dhanas, Sectors 20, 43, and 46, with plans underway and construction set to begin in the coming financial year pending requisite approvals.
A senior UT official stated, “There is very limited scope for redevelopment of the existing housing, so the administration has to focus on new developments.” The proposed construction includes around 150 houses for the police department in Dhanas and 200 general houses in Sectors 43 and 46. The administration plans to utilize available land parcels and existing old housing to meet the demand.
Despite opposition to the redensification plans, the sewermen colony in Sector 20 has been earmarked for redevelopment. Approximately 150 houses are planned on the land reclaimed after demolishing the sewermen colony. These houses are among the smallest government accommodations in the city, with each unit measuring around 250-300 sq ft. The sewermen colony was originally developed as transit accommodation but was later converted into houses for government employees.
The growing demand for government housing in the city, not only from the UT but also from Punjab and Haryana, has prompted this expansion. Currently, there are 13,825 housing units in all pool categories, with 11,923 in the general pool category and 10,989 allotted. Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit recently announced the administration’s commitment to developing housing for government employees in the city, catering to officials from UT, Punjab, Haryana, and the judiciary. In certain housing categories, particularly Type 10, 11, 12, and 13, the demand exceeds the available housing units.