9 new constructions may obstruct hill view

More than 1,700 flats are proposed to be built here. The master plan being prepared for the city takes into account the grandeur of the Shivaliks as one of the vital aspects in planning the development of the city.

A member of the expert committee for preservation of the city heritage,Dr S S Bhatti,former principal of the Chandigarh College of Architecture,said: “Corbusier had designed the city on the foothills of the Shivaliks with the hills. The Capitol Complex was designed in such a manner that it gives an unobstructed view of the Shivaliks. Some measures need to be taken to ensure that the concept of Chandigarh is not tampered with by the Punjab Government.”

Another concern is that the city’s quest for heritage status from UNESCO may be hindered. A UT Administration official said: “We will take up the issue at all levels. There has to be some check on the construction of the towers. The ecology of the area would be affected and the catchment area of the Sukhna Lake could be impacted.” UT Finance Secretary Sanjay Kumar says that the concerns and recommendations of the Master Plan committee on the issue would be considered.