Masterplan to recommend low rise buildings

The committee on masterplan that would outline the vision for the city till 2030,started holding meetings in December 2009. It is expected that the masterplan would be finalised this year. The documents pertaining to the masterplan procured by Newsline under the Right to Information Act reveal that the members have had discussion on a number of issues.

Low Rise Character: The meetings from 2009 to now have witnessed extensive debate on whether the city,being landlocked,be allowed to grow vertically. The panel concluded that the city would retain Le Corbusier’s plan of low rise character.

Some of the members were of the opinion that the southern sectors be allowed to have high rise buildings and the first phase sectors be maintained as low rise. However,it was decided that high rises would not be allowed. The only exception would be the 11-storey building that was designed by Corbusier and would be constructed in Sector 17.

Provisions For Villages: The villages under the municipal corporation are not governed by any building bylaws due to which haphazard growth has taken place. It was suggested that Khuda Lahora and Khuda Jassu be developed on concept of green and sustainable villages as model villages and the rural character be retained.

Construction in villages without following any norms was another issue. The committee has recommended that the structurally unsafe buildings be demolished. This is likely to have an impact on illegal guest houses and other businesses that are thriving in the villages. Instead of having cattle villages,it was suggested that Maloya and Kaimbwala have land for grazing around the villages. The UT Administration had earlier proposed having cattle villages or villages that can keep cattle as it is not allowed at all places.

Growth In Periphery: The haphazard growth in the periphery is another aspect that is an issue of concern. The members of the committee,during the meetings,opined that while no development should have been allowed north of the Capitol Complex as per the Edict of Chandigarh,unchecked growth was taking place. It was felt that housing projects like Tata Camelot should not be allowed to come up.

The committee has suggested that a green belt be developed along Patiala ki Rao. It has further been suggested that a green buffer be provided around the city. The neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana are being taken into confidence to ensure that the development is checked.

Redensification: Redensification of the first phase of the city was also discussed. This would imply increasing the population in these sectors. This is being planned by studying the Apartment Act. The need for redensification is being felt due to lack of land in Chandigarh. For inclusive growth,bigger houses would be asked to make provisions for servant quarters.

Transport: The members want strengthening of public transport facilities to discourage use of private vehicles. Various suggestions have been discussed including having vehicle free zones along V-4 roads and underground parking lots. It was suggested that the parking fees be increased four-five times. The need to encourage use of cycles has been highlighted. The roadmap for solving traffic problems is yet to be finalised.

Other Issues: The committee also held discussion on slums in the city. The Sectors are likely to be made self-sustaining. Recycling of waste and use of natural sources of energy would be encouraged and extensive green cover would be maintained