Babla Applauds UT Administration’s Initiative to Double Industrial FAR; Terms it a ‘Historic Step’ for City’s Growth

The Voice of Chandigarh 

Devinder Singh Babla, State Vice President of BJP Chandigarh, has stepped forward to hail the proactive initiative taken by the UT Administration to double the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) from 0.75 to 1.5 in the city’s industrial sectors.

In a press statement, Babla extended his sincere gratitude to the Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, for his visionary leadership and for prioritizing a reform that has been the “need of the hour” for decades.

A Right Direction for Growth
Babla emphasized that this move is not just a regulatory change but a major economic initiative that signals a shift toward a more business-friendly Chandigarh.
“For over 40 years, our local industry was stifled by stagnant norms. While Mohali and Panchkula moved ahead with FARs ranging from 2 to 3, Chandigarh’s industrialists were left behind. This initiative is a decisive step in the right direction to bridge that gap and reclaim our city’s status as a premier industrial hub,” Babla stated.

Key Merits of the Initiative Highlighted by Babla:

• Resolution of Long-Pending Demands: This initiative directly addresses the demands of over 3,500 industrial units that have sought expansion space for over 20 years.
• Empowering Small Scale Industry: By proposing relief for smaller plots, the administration is ensuring that the benefits of growth reach the grassroots level of the industrial landscape.
• Rationalizing Building Norms: Babla praised the focus on resolving the “misuse notice” crisis, particularly regarding courtyard coverings, which will provide immense mental and financial relief to thousands of entrepreneurs.
• Future-Ready Infrastructure: The integration of land-use flexibility and Transit Oriented Development (TOD) shows the administration’s commitment to the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031.

Boosting Employment and Innovation

With approximately 24,000 workers currently engaged in the industrial zones, Babla noted that doubling the FAR will lead to immediate infrastructure expansion, resulting in more jobs and better facilities for the workforce.

“The BJP Chandigarh unit stands firmly behind this industrialist friendly initiative. We thank the high-level committee and the Administrator for listening to the stakeholders and taking this bold, corrective measure. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking governance Chandigarh deserves,” he added.

Appreciation for the High-Level Committee

Babla also placed on record his deep appreciation for Deputy Commissioner-cum-Estate Officer Nishant Kumar Yadav for his stellar role in heading the high-level committee. He lauded the DC for his meticulous approach in chairing the meeting held on December 26, which included the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer.
“The suggestions put forward by the committee under DC Nishant Kumar Yadav’s leadership are precise and practical. By examining ground coverage norms, land-use regulations, and the possibility of mixed-use development, the committee has provided the right suggestions that reflect a deep understanding of the evolving needs of the industrial sector,” Babla added.