India, July 10 -- In six decades, Chandigarh, the nation's first planned city, has slipped from leader to laggard. So much so that adjoining Mohali district in Punjab and Panchkula in Haryana are growing faster on infrastructure development and employment. During a recent interaction, Manish Tewari, the Chandigarh MP, minced no words in flagging the bureaucratic hurdles in the Union Territory delaying decision-making on policies and the implementation of projects besides stalling the city's governance. From the Metro project that failed to take off despite being proposed in 2009 to unresolved legacy issues, including share-wise sale of property, need-based changes in Chandigarh Housing Board accommodation and problems of group housing societies, City Beautiful has a lot of catching up to do. The UT administration continues to dilly-dally on developing Phase 3, Industrial Area, a project awaiting completion for more than two decades, triggering an exodus of investors to neighbouring states and allowing thousands of potential jobs to slip away over the years. Chandigarh is home to more vehicles (14.27 lakh registered) than residents (about 13 lakh) with the highest per capita vehicle density in the country. Yet, it doesn't have a mass rapid transport system. The result: Traffic congestion, increased pollution, parking pangs and waste of time. Cast-in-stone building bylaws need a relook amid changing needs. The bylaws should be dynamic and adaptable while upholding the city's unique character and architectural heritage. Commercial spaces need to grow vertical else rents in Chandigarh will remain unaffordable and business will move to adjoining Mohali and Panchkula. The city should learn from its IT Park mistake. Preserving heritage, maintaining infrastructure and undertaking new development projects go hand in hand. The Chandigarh administration needs to address the governance deficit and take ownership before it's too late.t...