Panchkula residents, led by the Citizens Welfare Association (CWA), are calling for a reconstitution of the local building design committee. They claim the current committee is biased towards builders and their favoured "stilt plus four floor" design. Given Panchkula's location in an earthquake-prone zone, the CWA emphasizes the need for public safety and is seeking greater representation in committee decisions. The group has presented objections from over 5,000 residents and is urging authorities to prioritize residents' safety over builder preferences.
Panchkula residents are voicing their opposition to the existing building design committee, alleging bias towards builders and demanding a restructuring of the panel responsible for approving the controversial "stilt plus four floor" design.
The Citizens Welfare Association (CWA), under the leadership of president S.K. Nayar, alleges that the committee's apparent approval of the design contradicts the views of a significant number of residents. The CWA claims that builders are swaying the committee's decisions by presenting misleading data and advocating for the construction model.
Panchkula, a city located within seismic zone IV, is an area prone to earthquakes. Given these conditions, Nayar emphasized the necessity of ensuring public safety, arguing against the construction of high-rise buildings in the region.
Nayar confirmed to reports of ET Realty that the CWA has collected objections and recommendations from over 5,000 Panchkula residents, evidencing state-wide opposition to this design. Despite this, he says that it seems the authorities are leaning towards granting approval to the builders.
The CWA members also expressed concerns about the lack of public representation during the committee's surveys. They have submitted a formal request to the director general of town and country planning, and the chairman of the expert committee, calling for the inclusion of three to four public members in the committee. They also urged the committee to conduct district-wide public consultations before finalizing any decisions related to the contentious design.
In conclusion the demand for a more transparent and representative building design committee underscores the importance of involving the public in decisions that directly impact their safety and living conditions. The unfolding situation in Panchkula highlights the need for authorities to strike a balance between economic growth, represented by the builders, and the safety and well-being of residents. The authorities' response to these demands will be closely watched, potentially setting a precedent for future urban planning debates.
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