Chandigarh Greening Action Plan 2020-21: 60k saplings to be planted in parks, villages

Chandigarh is among a few cities in the country which follows a set pattern of plantation of specific tree species on the two sides of all major dividing roads since its formation, back in the 1950s.

3 min readChandigarhJun 25, 2021 08:53 AM IST

Minister of Health and Family Welfare Rushikesh Patel inaugurated Thaltej Oxygen Park in Ahmedabad. (File Representational Photo)

As many as 7,164 trees along with 52,901 shrubs saplings, of the aimed total of 1.75 lakh saplings, will be planted in public parks, green belts, V3 to V6 roads of sectors and 10 villages during Greening Action Plan 2020-21. These saplings will be planted by the Horticulture Division of the Chandigarh MC under the supervision of UT Forest department. The V3 to V6 roads are internal roads situated within the sectors, dividing the markets, meandering through sectors giving access to its inner lands and residential houses.

At least 1,05,000 saplings of trees and shrubs will be distributed free of cost by the UT Forest department and also sold to various educational institutes, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs and individuals at subsidised prices. The experts maintained that there is a need for a sensitive approach while planting new saplings in Chandigarh as there are certain places where there is no space for further plantation.

Chandigarh is among a few cities in the country which follows a set pattern of plantation of specific tree species on the two sides of all major dividing roads since its formation, back in the 1950s.

Rajnish Watts, former principal of Chandigarh College of Architecture, said, “Tree plantation in Chandigarh does not mean that any species be planted anywhere. Indeed, in public parks, green belts, plantations should be dependent on the availability of space. But when plantations come on V3 to V6 roads of sectors, we should be conscious about the basic architecture of the city. The city’s founder Le Corbusier and his close associate acclaimed botanist, MS Randhawa, late ICS officer of Punjab, had planted trees throughout Chandigarh in a specific manner, which should not be disturbed.”

Debendra Dalai, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forest (UT), said, “The architecture and pattern of set plantation of Chandigarh will not be disturbed. We plant trees of specific species on specific road as per the set procedure of Chandigarh. If a Pilkhan tree is dead and needs to be removed, we will not plant any other variety at the place of Pilkhan. At that place, only Pilkhan will be planted. We have a Chandigarh Task Force interdepartmental committee involving people from Municipal Corporation, Engineering wing and Forest department. The committee especially looks after these things.”

The Forest department does plantations in the forest lands and the MC Engineering wing plants trees and shrubs at public parks, dividing roads, green belts etc.

Tree pattern on the main roads in Chandigarh

The trees belonging to Chukrasia species were planted extensively on Jan Marg leading to Punjab and Haryana High Court from the side of Sector 43 dividing Sector 22/23, 35/36 etc. Arjuna species of trees have been extensively planted between Sector 27/28 dividing road. Pilkhan tree can be seen throughout Udyan Path and Sarovar Path, two sector dividing road. The Udyan Path divides Sector 15/16, Sector 10/11 etc.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Loading Recommendations...

Mar 07: Latest News

Live Blog