To save city’s heritage,panel grades areas,tells ways to preserve them

The committee has identified heritage zones and precincts in the city. These have been divided into three categories — Grade I for buildings and precincts of national importance; Grade II for local landmarks that contribute to the image of the region and Grade III for buildings and precincts of importance.

A few of the recommendations proposed by the committee:

Sector-wise proposals

The committee has recommended that heritage status be given to Sectors 7,8 and 22. While Sector 22 was built as the first typical sector on the concept of neighbourhood unit,the other two are a tribute to first architect Albert Mayer. Proposals have been mooted for every sector.

Periphery

The committee has expressed concern over multi-storey high-rise buildings on the foothills of Shivalik Range. It has been proposed that to safeguard the city’s character,there is a need to extend Inter-State Regional Plan beyond the 16-km area under Chandigarh’s Periphery Act.

Urban design

The committee has recommended that public and government buildings along V-2 roads including Jan Marg,Madhya Marg and Uttar Marg need to be strictly regulated and controlled. The barricaded road should be opened for the public only after security concerns are addressed. The architectural character of buildings along V-3 roads also need to be maintained. Any changes should be approved by the Chandigarh Heritage Committee. In case of V-4 roads,limited uniform changes within the existing frame should be permitted with the approval of Heritage Committee.

Architecture

The second block of the Architects Original Office located in Sector 19 should be vacated and used as Chandigarh Research and Development Centre. Here,all archive material pertaining to the city’s planning,architecture,urban design,etc will be made available to scholars. Building should be named Pierre Jeanneret Bhawan. Certain streets and clusters of government housing has been recommended for the heritage status. In case of some private houses,no further enhancement of ground coverage and FAR should be allowed.

Capitol Complex

The architecture of the Capitol Complex needs to be carefully monitored and maintained to obviate violations,defacement and weathering of the facade. The security arrangement should be rationalised and appropriate land developed to accommodate them. Completion of unfinished projects at the Capitol Complex has also been proposed.

City Centre,Sector 17

Problems like degeneration of concrete,uncontrolled skyline,encroachment of backyard,etc need to be addressed.

Preserving buildings

Buildings like the Panjab University,Government Museum and Art Gallery,etc must be preserved. Legislative Assembly enamelled door,tapestries and commemorative tower in Sector 9,plaques,commemorative cubes,murals,manhole covers and furniture have been recommended for heritage status. The house where Pierre Jeanneret lived should be dedicated to his memory.

Vistas

No building must be constructed or development carried out that are in conflict with uninterrupted view of the Shivaliks or the Sukhna Lake.