New DC office building in Sector 17 to cost Chandigarh Rs 125 cr

The UT Engineering Department has prepared a detailed estimate of Rs 125 crore for the construction of a new building of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) office next to Hotel Shivalikview in Sector 17 here.

Officials said the construction, initially scheduled to begin in April this year, was postponed as budget was not allocated for the project. However, they said the estimate was now prepared and sent to the Government of India for approval.

“The construction will begin in the next financial year once the budget is allocated. The interior layouts have also been finalised,” stated the officials.

The officials said the soil testing report had cleared the proposed site, ensuring it could withstand the structural load. It was conducted to assess the chemical and physical composition of the soil, factoring in weather conditions, climate changes, and historical land usage. The project is expected to be completed within two years.

The seven-story building will conform to a 5-star GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) rating, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions. The structure will have a basement parking facility for nearly 600 cars.

The building will house several key departments, including Registering and Licensing Authority, Registrar Co-operative Societies, Excise and Taxation Department, Census Department, Election Department, Revenue Department, Tehsildar’s Office, Food and Supplies Department, Labour Department, Industries Department, Colony Rehabilitation Wing, Building Branch, and Red Cross Society.

In addition, the complex will incorporate environmental sustainability measures with a sewage treatment plant and a rooftop solar power plant to generate tertiary treated water and electricity.

The existing DC Office building in Sector 17 will be repurposed into a modern art gallery. An amphitheatre is also proposed to be constructed in front of it, adding cultural value to the area. The idea of relocating the DC office within Sector 17 has been under consideration since 2018.

To house key departments

The building will house several key departments, including Registering and Licensing Authority, Registrar Co-operative Societies, Excise and Taxation Department, Census Department, Election Department, Revenue Department, Tehsildar’s Office, Food and Supplies Department, Labour Department, Industries Department, Colony Rehabilitation Wing, Building Branch, and Red Cross Society.