The decision, which has been approved by the highest level in the administration, has come about in the wake of ever-increasing violations in such laws by city residents, which has forced the government to remain a mute spectator with such violations continuing with impunity.

According to sources, the administration has decided to involve public participation while reviewing all such laws governing various buildings in the city to make them owner-friendly. Sources add that unlike in the past, when certain building byelaws have been relaxed by the administration after considering them on a case to case basis, the government will now invite public suggestions through advertisements before bringing about any such changes.

The suggestions received would then be reviewed by a high-powered committee, to be formed soon under the guidance of UT Chief Administrator-cum-Finance Secretary Rakesh Singh. This committee, headed by the UT Chief Architect, will have members from the public, to include 2-3 architects and other prominent personalities, which will then make its recommendations for the desired changes to be brought about. Sources add that the exercise is aimed at doing away with certain byelaws which had become redundant over the years in view of the changed scenario after modern concepts came in. The norms and byelaws are now planned to be made less stringent and more friendly to the consumer, while maintaining the basic concept of the city at the same time.

The changes and relaxation in building byelaws was also suggested and called for by renowned national and international architects participating in the seminar on "Celebrating Chandigarh: 50 years of the Idea" held here in January.

Interestingly, a committee headed by the UT Chief Architect had in 1994 gone into this aspect and made at least 23 recommendations for changes in building byelaws and architectural controls after ascertaining the requirements of the residents in this regard. Nothing concrete on the recommendations made by them has taken place thereafter.

The increased demand for bringing about such changes in byelaws governing property has come about in view of the changed modern world. There has also been an increased public demand for bringing about such changes in byelaws due to the modern-day demands and changed living conditions.

The demand has also come about in the wake of almost no controls on buildings in neighbouring Mohali and Panchkula, where a large number of people from the city have shifted their residences.

`Act against violators'
City Mayor Kewal Krishan has taken serious note of blatant violation of building bylaws in the houses built by the Chandigarh Housing Board. He wanted the board to contemplate action against allottees who have violated the building norms. He opined that the change in internal structural designs, alternations and additions in CHB houses has endangered the lives of occupants and neighbours.