In Panchkula, Haryana, community centres designed for public use are increasingly being repurposed as government offices, with 10 out of 21 centres currently occupied, effectively removing them from community access. Many of these facilities have been under government control for years, with some, like the one in Sector 4, remaining unused for nearly 20 years. Residents express frustration over limited access, often resorting to parks or markets for gatherings. The Municipal Corporation of Panchkula, which lacks a dedicated headquarters, occupies several centres, while others serve as storage units for municipal supplies. Activists have raised concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency, as temporary arrangements have become permanent in practice. The absence of a clear policy governing the use of these facilities has led to confusion and reduced access for residents. Ongoing neglect is evident in many centres, with reports of blocked sewage and damaged structures. Despite some centres being available for limited public use, the overall trend reflects a systematic shift from community spaces to administrative use, leaving residents questioning when they will regain access to the facilities built for their benefit.