While the Chandigarh Administration expresses helplessness when dealing with major violations in several buildings of the Capitol Complex or alterations to several heritage structures across the city,when it comes to executing some basic work,conserving heritage is often used as a plea to stonewall such initiatives. Works like installation of particular kinds of railings in the parks to preserving façades of buildings have for long suffered delays because of the heritage argument. Different departments in the city have faced problems in getting clearances for work. In Sector 17 for example,the commercial area falls in heritage zone V. The facade of the buildings is of cement. With time there is weathering and traders complain that even patch work is not allowed. A recent case is that of TDI mall that has been constructed in Sector 17. An objection was raised about the painting of the façade and the issue was taken to the heritage committee. The objections were that since façades of no other building in the area is allowed to be coloured,the same should apply to the mall as well. JPS Kalra,the general secretary of the Traders Association,Sector 17 says: The buildings are old and are being infected by fungus. We are,however,not even allowed to get patchwork done as the area is heritage. At a time when traders are competing with malls,some steps need to be taken by the Administration for upgrading the main commercial hub of the city. Otherwise business activity would be hampered. The Administration had prepared a proposal for getting the buildings at the Capitol Complex and those in Sector 17 refurbished by experts. The process of preparing detailed project report is going on. Till that happens,the buildings continue to suffer. Problems are being encountered by the Municipal Corporation as well. Recently,the Administration sent a communication to the MC about particular kind of railing to be installed in parks. The designs of the railing were sent. It was pointed out by the MC that the railings would serve no purpose as the design was such that it cannot stop stray dogs from entering into parks. The Mayor had earlier raised issues like installation of boundary wall around the Rajindra Park which was recently handed over to the MC. However,here also issues of preserving the heritage cropped up even though the park is in a pitiable shape.
