Archive · 18 Sep 2026
CHB Approves Housing Changes and Lifts, Bringing Relief
The Chandigarh Housing Board approved new rules for changing and improving some homes.
The rules could help about 35,000 families.
They may also help nearly 1.5 lakh people.
Owners of independent houses can make certain changes or rebuild them after getting the required permissions.
People can make some indoor changes, such as removing walls that do not support the building.
The rules also make it easier to apply for building-plan approval through self-certification.
Lifts can now be installed in some CHB homes, which may help residents move around more easily.
Rooftop solar systems can also be installed under a government scheme without prior CHB approval or an NOC, as long as the scheme rules are followed.
The Chandigarh Housing Board approved a framework for need-based changes in independent dwelling units and CHB flats.
The decision is expected to benefit around 35,000 families and nearly 1.5 lakh people directly or indirectly.
Independent houses may be altered, reconstructed, or completely rebuilt after obtaining required clearances.
Residents may install lifts in CHB dwelling units, while internal alterations and self-certified building-plan approvals are also permitted.
CHB approved rooftop solar photovoltaic systems under the PM Surya-Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana without requiring prior CHB approval or an NOC, subject to scheme guidelines.
- Who
- The Chandigarh Housing Board approved the framework, and BJP leader Sanjay Tandon welcomed it.
- What
- The framework permits specified housing alterations, reconstruction, lifts, simpler plan approvals, and rooftop solar installations.
- When
- The decision was announced as coming just before Diwali.
- Where
- Chandigarh Housing Board homes and dwelling units in Chandigarh.
- Why
- The measures aim to address long-standing concerns, improve accessibility, and reduce uncertainty for residents.
- Approving body
- Chandigarh Housing Board
- Estimated beneficiary families
- Around 35,000
- Estimated people affected
- Nearly 1.5 lakh through direct and indirect relief
- Housing changes
- Alteration, reconstruction, and, where applicable, demolition and complete reconstruction subject to clearances
- Additional permissions
- Internal alterations, including removal of non-load-bearing walls, and self-certification/SOP-based building-plan approvals
- Lift installations
- Permitted in CHB flats and dwelling units under the approved framework
- Solar systems
- Rooftop photovoltaic systems under PM Surya-Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana can be installed without prior CHB approval or an NOC, subject to scheme guidelines