Expert groups to identify,preserve city’s architectural marvels

The main aim of the committee was to preserve the architectural heritage of the city by studying the original concept of the city as well as ensuring maintenance of important buildings.

To be headed by the UT Administrator,the other members of the committee have been approved by the Centre.

While one group will identify structures that can be termed heritage buildings,the second group will formulate rules for preservation and suggest measures in case of violation.

The third group will suggest ways to preserve the buildings in their original form from the technical aspect. Many of the old buildings are made of concrete which are turning black due to lack of maintenance.

The three groups have been given a month for preparing their reports,following which the suggestions will be discussed.

The committee comprises a nominee each from the Ministry of Culture,Ministry of Urban Development,Ministry of Home Affairs; former principal of Chandigarh College of Architecture Dr S S Bhatti; architect Raj Rewal; former chief architect Renu Saigal; architect and town planner Madhu Sarin,Chand Nehru; chairman of Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission Jai Singh Gill; director of PEC University of Technology Professor Manoj Datta and Dr B N Goswamy.

The city’s architectural marvels include the Capitol Complex,which houses the Secretariat,Punjab and Haryana High Court,Assembly as well as a few other monuments. Over the years,a number of violations have crept into the usage of the old buildings which the expert panel hopes to rectify and ensure their historical,cultural and scientific preservation.

City parks to be developed
The municipal corporation will soon upgrade gardens and green belts in various sectors of the city. A decision regarding this was taken during a meeting of the Environment and Beautification Committee held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of councillor Manjit Singh Chohan.

Executive Engineer (Horticulture) Arun Kansal and other members of the committee were also present.

The committee has approved upgradation of two parks in Sector 31 at a cost of Rs 4.18 lakh. While a park will be developed in Sector 8 at a cost of Rs 4.47 lakh,the committee has also decided to upgrade parks in Sectors 2 and 40.

Huts and benches would be installed in the parks in Sector 40,20 and 33 at a budget of Rs 30 lakh. The Sector-46 green belt will get huts and benches at a cost of Rs 3.57 lakh.

The green belts in Sectors 27,28 and 30 will be provided with multi-play equipment for children as well as benches at an amount of around Rs 25 lakh.