17 years on, Industrial Area awaits infrastructural upgrade

CHANDIGARH: Even as the UT administration plans a conversion policy for change of land use in Industrial Area, the ‘holistic’ infrastructural upgradation promised nearly 17 years ago has not materialised.
The conversion policy introduced in 2005 was discontinued in 2008 as questions over infrastructural capacity to accommodate a large number of big commercial establishments were raised.The Chandigarh Master Plan (CMP-2031) had too pointed out the negative impact of the policy on the area’s infrastructure.
“The Industrial Area’s already inadequate infrastructure – water supply, sewerage and power have been aggravated due to their non-augmentation prior to implementation of the conversion policy,” the CMP had stated.
Following it, the CMP had mandated an ‘urban renewal project’ for Industrial Area – “A holistic redressal of the problems that have emerged and accommodating the future anticipated growth, through a comprehensive urban renewal plan.”
A comprehensive analysis of the enhanced infrastructural requirements resulting from the conversion policy indicates the need to prioritize augmentation of water supply, power, sewerage disposal and storm water disposal systems, the master plan noted.
“Upgradation of infrastructure is much needed in Industrial Area, particularly, augmentation of parking facilities, lighting, road widening and beautification of 1,500-acre area outside the sectoral grid along with policy action is urgently needed,” said Pankaj Khanna, member, Administrator’s Advisory Council. The traffic flow in Industrial Area has improved over the years with road widening and better traffic management steps, but several bottlenecks continue to prevail, particularly, in the aftermath of the large number of bigger commercial establishments coming up post-2005 policy.
The pedestrian and the non-motorized vehicle movement remains in a poor state with adequate dedicated cycle tracks and pedestrian pathways missing. The administration has also failed to develop the earmarked parking sites for underground parking lots and taxi stands as per the needs of the area.
“Community leisure spaces need to be developed in various pockets to attract the young workforce. The administration has made some efforts in the recent past, however, a lot needs to be done to create an efficient and vibrant zone,” said Siddharth Gupta, vice-president, Industries Association of Chandigarh.