High-rise buildings threat to chandigarh’s character

Chandigarh, September 1
The Chandigarh Administration today expressed concern at the high-rise buildings proposed in the vicinity of Chandigarh, which could have adverse impact on the unique character of the city.
UT chief architect Sumit Kaur raised the issue in her presentation at the 22nd meeting of the coordination committee for the development of Chandigarh and its periphery held here under the chairmanship of Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India, Sudhir Krishnan.
She highlighted the challenges faced by the city and the developments coming up in the periphery both within Chandigarh in Punjab and Haryana.
The meeting was attended by Adviser to the UT Administrator KK Sharma, Punjab Chief Secretary SC Aggarwal, Haryana Chief Secretary Urvashi Gulati and UT Home Secretary-cum-Secretary Urban Planning Ram Niwas.
The Adviser said the UT Administration had been coordinating with the neighbouring states with regard to the high-rise buildings proposed in the of north of the Capital Complex, eco-sensitive zone, regional planning board around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, linkages and housing. The discussions have been fruitful and further modalities are being worked out. The Chief Secretaries of Haryana and Punjab showed equal concern for Chandigarh and the region and mentioned that they were committed to the cause of safeguarding the unique character of Chandigarh.
The Principal Secretary, Town & Country Planning, Haryana, gave a presentation regarding the status of ongoing development in the periphery of Haryana. He mentioned that the proposed developments were as per the approved master plans duly notified.
The Chief Regional Planner, NCRB, gave a detailed presentation regarding the constitution of NCR Planning Board and preparation of the regional plan. He highlighted the success of the NCRB in achieving the object in various spheres like reducing the rate of population growth, checking migration, development of growth centres and linkages. This special presentation was arranged by TCPO, in view of the proposal for the creation of Chandigarh Regional Planning Board and regional plan for Chandigarh and its region.
The Chief Administrator, GMADA, apprised about the GMADA regional plan prepared by Jurong. The developments are coming in the region in accordance with this plan. He mentioned that the land use planning and floor area ratio (FAR) should be scientific and logical. He said that there are certain activities which could not be carried out in the organised parks/open spaces, therefore, there is need to plan for grounds where people can assemble and children can play. He was not in favour of concept of mixed land use citing the example of Bangalore Metropolitan Region where earlier mixed land use of economic activities was proposed, but with the passage of time, the adverse effect on the planning and environment had been observed.
The Adviser said a case was pending in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. As per the direction in the above case, the master plan has to be prepared and submitted in the court.
The Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana said the development projects coming in the vicinity of Chandigarh were based upon the approved master plans. The Chief Secretary of Haryana said that even the Punjab and Haryana High Court as well as the Supreme Court had not observed anything adverse in the master plan of the Mansa Devi Complex, which is in the immediate vicinity of the Sukhna Lake.
Haryana seeks 2 more routs to link P’kula to city
Haryana has asked the Central government to provide two more alternative routes to link Panchkula with Chandigarh in the master plan for the development of Chandigarh and its periphery. These routes have already been discussed between the UT Administration and the Haryana government.
The demand was made at the 22nd meeting of the Coordination Committee for the development of Chandigarh and its periphery held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Union Ministry of Urban Development, Sudhir Krishana, here today.
Making his presentation on “Development scenario on the periphery of Chandigarh, (Haryana portion)”, the Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Town and Country Planning, Haryana SS Dhillon, said an additional route would link Haryana with Industrial Area, Chandigarh (parallel to Chandigarh-Kalka road), overbridge on the railway line and further link Panchkula between Sectors 17 and 18.
The second alternative route from Ambala-Chandigarh (NH-21) would link Panchkula with the airport, Industrial Area, Chandigarh, the southern sectors and the areas beyond Chandigarh like Mohali and further. Since major portion of the alignment for route number one is located either in the railway property in Chandigarh or in Chandigarh area, this issue needs to be finalised for seeking clearance from the Union Ministry of Railways for construction of the overbridge, and construction of the road through the railway land for providing access to Panchkula.