Panel formed to prepare inter-state plan

While Chandigarh has a low rise character,a need was felt to ensure that the height of the buildings in the periphery should also be regulated. The inter-regional plan will take care of that aspect. Another apprehension that will be addressed is the construction of requisite infrastructure to lessen the burden on Chandigarh. An official of the Administration said that the aim is to preserve the character and heritage of Chandigarh. For this the Master Plan committee has been asked to speed up the process of preparing its plan. A legal opinion on the Master Plan would be sought and thereafter it would be notified.

It was also discussed that necessary steps be taken to declare the area around the catchment of Sukhna Lake as an eco-sensitive zone. While a committee had earlier been constituted by the Administration,a part of the catchment also falls in Punjab and some parts in Haryana. The co-operation of these states was required for the process.

Once the area is identified as an eco-sensitive zone,there would be restrictions on construction activity that can be undertaken. Certain categories of activity will be prohibited,while for others permission would be required.