Chandigarh, Oct. 29 -- Once envisioned as an integral part of Le Corbusier's original city plan, Industrial Area today stands as a stark reminder of administrative neglect and outdated regulations. Entrepreneurs say indifference and a lack of policy foresight have driven many industrial units to relocate to neighbouring Mohali and Panchkula, where industrial policies are more dynamic and supportive. Despite repeated representations, the city's industrial ecosystem remains stifled by old norms. A long-pending demand to convert industrial and commercial plots from leasehold to freehold was turned down by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July this year.

Allotted as early as the 1970s - most with full payments already made - these lease...