The Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB) is set to launch a new residential project in Sector 54, marking a revival after years of dormancy. Around 32 acres have been earmarked for the development, with 14 acres already under CHB’s control. The remaining 18 acres are expected to be transferred soon by the estate office and engineering department. Planning and design work is anticipated to conclude within the next four to six months.Initial estimates indicate the development of approximately 1,700 flats on this parcel. This follows a recent meeting chaired by the UT administrator where the Sector 54 land was cleared for residential use.Sector 53 Scheme Faces Continued UncertaintyMeanwhile, CHB’s general housing scheme in Sector 53 remains stalled. Originally proposed in 2018, it failed to attract sufficient interest. Despite multiple revival attempts between 2023 and 2025, the scheme has not launched. The current version omits one-room units and proposes 372 flats — 192 three-bedroom, 100 two-bedroom, and 80 EWS two-bedroom units. However, concerns over affordability persist, with three-bedroom flats now priced up to Rs 23 million.No Major Housing Since 2016Chandigarh has not launched any group housing scheme since CHB’s Sector 51 project in 2016, which offered 200 flats. In contrast, Mohali and Panchkula have added around 350 housing societies over the last decade, highlighting Chandigarh’s lag.IT Park Scheme Rejected Over Eco ConcernsA proposal to build over 700 flats near the IT Park was rejected by the Union environment ministry in 2022, as the site falls within the eco-sensitive zone of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.2008 Scheme in Legal LimboA scheme for UT administration employees announced in 2008 also remains unresolved. Despite a 2023 high court order to allot land at 2008 prices and complete construction within a year, the UT administration has challenged the order in the Supreme Court, citing a potential revenue loss of Rs 20 billion due to updated collector rates.Private Builders Criticise DelaysReal estate experts have criticised the administration’s inaction, pointing to the demand shift to Mohali and Panchkula. Builders say persistent delays, lack of approvals, and rising prices in Chandigarh have driven buyers to neighbouring cities.