Chandigarh, Aug. 28 -- The screening committee constituted to examine proposed amendments to Chandigarh's Master Plan has recommended a multi-dimensional impact assessment before allowing further infrastructure augmentation in the city. The assessments are aimed at ensuring that the proposed changes do not compromise the city's planned character, carrying capacity or resilience. The panel was set up after the administration received objections from residents on the draft master plan amendment, which had proposed greater land utilisation through vertical growth and densification in selected areas while keeping the heritage sectors of Phase-1 (Sectors 1 to 30) protected. City-based architects had raised concerns over infrastructure stress. The need to appoint a panel was felt even more when it was found that there was no technical basis for the amendments introduced in the Master Plan-2031. Under the proposed changes, higher floor area ratio (FAR), a minimum four-storey height for new group housing projects and relaxed development norms are being considered for areas such as Phase-3 sectors (beyond Sector 47), industrial areas and peripheral pockets. The panel called for traffic impact studies, including congestion hotspots, road carrying capacity, public transport requirements, pedestrian movement and future mobility needs, in the backdrop of experts highlighting that the city's original road hierarchy was designed for a lower population and vehicle ownership levels. Prepared nearly a decade ago, the Master Plan-2031 had flagged that the city's transport system was already nearing saturation. The committee has recommended a detailed assessment of existing infrastructure capacity, including water supply, sewerage, electricity distribution, stormwater drainage and other civic utilities. The study will determine whether current systems can support additional development or require augmentation. The concern is underscored by recent events, when inadequate drainage capacity, and the overflowing N-choe led to widespread flooding across the city following 72.4 mm of rainfall in just two hours. Notably, the drainage system, originally designed in the 1950s when the city was established, has seen little upgrade since. The committee has recommended a detailed seismic risk assessment, given Chandigarh's location in a region vulnerable to earthquakes. This would include assessment of building vulnerability, structural safety standards, emergency response preparedness and disaster management infrastructure. The proposed amendments will also require a review of the implications on green spaces, ecological balance, groundwater recharge and overall sustainability. Given Chandigarh's status as a planned city designed by architect Le Corbusier, the committee has stressed the importance of preserving its urban design principles. A heritage impact appraisal has been recommended to examine whether proposed changes could affect the city's architectural character....