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Haryana's 1975 Urban Act Needs Urgent Overhaul for Future Growth

Senior administrators and urban planners agree that Haryana's 1975 urban development act must be modernized to address rapid urbanization. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi emphasized the need for evolving policies to tackle sustainability and infrastructure challenges. The roundtable in Panchkula featured discussions on strengthening regulatory mechanisms for future needs. The event was organized by the Institute of Town Planners, India - Haryana Regional Chapter.

Key Points: Haryana Urban Law Overhaul Needed: Experts

  • Haryana's 1975 urban act needs modernization
  • Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi highlights need for evolution
  • Roundtable focuses on sustainability and infrastructure
  • ITPI-HRC organized the event in Panchkula
2 min read

Haryana's urban development law needs overhaul to meet future needs: Experts

Experts call for modernizing Haryana's 1975 urban development act to meet future needs, focusing on sustainability, infrastructure, and changing citizen expectations.

"Urban policies and regulatory frameworks must continuously evolve to address emerging challenges - Anurag Rastogi"

Chandigarh, May 2

Senior administrators, urban planners and real estate leaders on Saturday reached a broad consensus that the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975, must be urgently modernised and strengthened to keep pace with the state's rapidly expanding urban landscape and evolving developmental needs.

The consensus emerged at a high-level roundtable organised by the Institute of Town Planners, India - Haryana Regional Chapter (ITPI-HRC) in Panchkula, held to mark 51 years of the landmark legislation that laid the foundation for planned urban development in the state through private sector participation.

Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, who attended the event as the chief guest, said urban policies and regulatory frameworks must continuously evolve to address emerging challenges related to sustainability, infrastructure resilience, rapid urban expansion and changing citizen expectations.

He said the 1975 Act had significantly contributed to planned urban growth, infrastructure creation and economic development in the state over the past five decades, but underlined that the time had come to take it to the next level.

Rastogi further stressed that coordinated efforts among government institutions, planners and industry stakeholders are essential to ensure balanced, inclusive and future-ready urban development across Haryana.

He also highlighted the transformative role played by the Act in shaping the state's urbanisation journey over the last five decades.

The day-long roundtable was structured across three dedicated sessions.

The Leaders' Roundtable featured Chief Secretary Rastogi alongside T.L. Satyaprakash, Joint Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India; Amit Khatri, Director, Town and Country Planning, Haryana; and former senior officials S.S. Dhillon and T.C. Gupta. The session was moderated by former Chief Town Planner Jaswant Singh.

Participants deliberated extensively on strengthening the Act's provisions to address contemporary urban challenges, promote sustainable development, improve infrastructure resilience and put in place effective regulatory mechanisms for the future.

Established in 2006, the ITPI-HRC has been actively promoting planned and sustainable urban and regional development across Haryana.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see Chief Secretary Rastogi acknowledging the need for change. But I hope this isn't just another roundtable that produces a report gathering dust. We need stronger enforcement, not just newer laws. The real estate lobby has too much influence in Haryana.
R
Ravi K
As someone from Panchkula, I've seen how the 1975 Act shaped our city – it was good for its time. But now with satellite townships and smart cities, we need provisions for mixed-use development and better public transport integration. The old model of isolated sectors doesn't work anymore. 🏙️
J
James A
Interesting to see this discussion from an Indian perspective. In the West, we're grappling with similar issues – zoning laws from the 1960s that don't suit modern needs. Hope Haryana's planners learn from global best practices while keeping local context in mind.
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Arjun K
My concern is that "modernisation" often means more concessions to builders. The 1975 Act at least ensured some basic infrastructure. We need stronger clauses on environmental impact, groundwater recharge, and disaster resilience – not just floor area ratio relaxation. 🌊
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Sneha F
Remember the 1975 Act was progressive for its time – it brought private sector into city building. But now we need a 2025 Act that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport over cars. Haryana's cities are becoming concrete jungles without soul. Hope the planners listen to actual citizens, not just experts. 🚶🏽‍♀️

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