For restoration of heritage structures to its original glory in Chandigarh, the Administration had enlisted heritage in three categories namely heritage zones, heritage precincts and heritage buildings in the city.

The private buildings enlisted as heritage1 included SCOs/SCFs, City Centre Sector 17, Shop-cum-offices along Madhya Marg, Sectors 7 and 26, Shop-cum-offices along Dakshin Marg Sector 22, four private residences among others.

“To begin the restoration process of private heritage buildings in City Centre Sector 17, a policy decision is required to be made. At present, there are several ownership disputes in SCOs/SCFs in City Centre Sector 17,” said a senior officer of the UT Administration while talking to The Pioneer.

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• 1. Notably, the architectural controls, zoning regulations and building bylaws had been put in place, for commercial and residential buildings abutting the shopping streets wherein the entire external facades and internal planning was to compulsorily conform to the standard design provided by the city planners to maintain the original character of the city.

  However, both intermingled commercial and residential areas are today witnessing violations of these rules and regulations. The violations in Sector 17 here include coverage of balconies and courtyards, construction beyond zones areas, encroachments of public corridors, breach of frame controls, to name a few.