Panchkula residents, led by the Panchkula Citizen Welfare Association (CWA), are gearing up to challenge the Haryana government's stilt-plus-four-floor (S+4) construction policy in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This policy, initially approved in 2017, permits buildings with four floors above a stilt and faced rollback in 2023 after widespread protests. However, it was reapproved in July. Residents argue that the policy causes extensive property damage and claim the government is influenced by builders. The CWA, supported by various welfare associations, is organising protests and intends to hold the government accountable in upcoming elections.
The Haryana government's stilt-plus-four-floor (S+4) construction policy, initially approved in 2017 by amending the Haryana Building Code, has been a subject of intense controversy. The policy allows the construction of buildings with four floors above a stilt (ground level) floor, and it began permitting the registration of the fourth floor as a separate dwelling unit in 2018.
Following widespread protests from Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) across the state, the government rolled back the policy on February 23, 2023, and constituted a panel to re-evaluate the issue and gather input from all stakeholders. Despite these actions, the government reapproved the S+4 policy on July 1, 2023, sparking renewed outcry among residents.
The Panchkula Citizen Welfare Association (CWA) is now spearheading efforts to challenge the reapproved S+4 policy in court. Led by President S.K. Nayyar, the CWA held a significant meeting at Red Bishop in Sector 1, where affected residents and representatives from various welfare associations convened to discuss their next steps.
Nayyar mentioned that despite their best efforts to meet with the Chief Minister, other ministers, and concerned officers, they received no positive response. As a result, they decided to take the matter to the High Court. He added that they are raising funds within their association and are appealing to both direct and indirect sufferers to support their fight against what they consider an anti-public government policy.
Residents have shared troubling accounts of the adverse effects of S+4 constructions on their properties.
CWA members contend that the government's decision to reapprove the S+4 policy indicates it is under pressure from the builder lobby. They suggested that these actions show the government is succumbing to builder interests.
The CWA, with the support of various welfare associations, has threatened to hold protests and vowed to hold the government accountable in the upcoming elections. As the legal battle approaches, the residents of Panchkula remain determined to challenge what they see as a detrimental and unjust policy.
The outcome of this PIL could set a significant precedent for urban planning and citizens' rights in the region.
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