After UNESCO panel suspended 3 Capitol Complex projects, IIT-Roorkee gives negative report for 2
The three projects that were rejected were holistic development plan for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, construction of sub-terrain at the back of open hand and construction of two floors on the High Court building.
3 min read
Spread in more than 100 acres in Sector 1, Capitol Complex was the prime manifestation of Chandigarh’s architecture designed by Le Corbusier, with the Sivalik Hills in the backdrop. (Express Archives)A year and a half after the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO suspended three major projects of the Capitol Complex and suggested a Heritage Impact Assessment again, now the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee), has submitted a negative impact report for two projects in Sector 1.
After the suspension of the projects, the IIT-Roorkee was tasked by the ministry to carry out the Heritage Impact Assessment report afresh for the three projects that had received suspension. The UT had thought of moving the UNESCO again with a fresh HIA report so that their plea be considered.
The three projects that were rejected were holistic development plan for the Punjab and Haryana High Court, construction of sub-terrain at the back of open hand and construction of two floors on the High Court building.
While speaking to The Indian Express, Chandigarh Chief Engineer C B Ojha said, “We got the HIA done from the IIT-Roorkee and they have given negative impact report for two projects which are holistic development plan for the Punjab and Haryana High Court and construction of two floors on the High Court building.”
He added, “But for the construction of sub-terrain at back of open hand at Capitol Complex, they have given a positive impact.”
The first Heritage Impact Assessment report was prepared by the Mumbai-based consultant — it was positive for all three projects. Later, the UNESCO had in 2023 suspended the projects after looking at the “toolkit”. The World Heritage Committee had suspended citing that these were impacting the OUV – Overall Universal Value. The permanent protection of the heritage is of key importance to the international community.
A senior officer of the Chandigarh Administration said, “The IIT-Roorkee report has specified these projects did not qualify for the heritage impact assessment, meaning they don’t comply with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidelines.”
UT will now re-approach the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in 2026. The same is said to come up for discussion before the committee in 2027.
What all is in Capitol Complex
Spread in more than 100 acres in Sector 1, Capitol Complex was the prime manifestation of Chandigarh’s architecture designed by Le Corbusier, with the Sivalik Hills in the backdrop making the sight more serene and grand. The buildings at the complex include the Open Hand monument, the high court, Tower of Shadows, Geometric Hill, the legislative assembly, and the secretariat.
Crores of funds frittered away
Funds worth crores have been splurged in the name of restoration of Capital Complex which has been going on for ages. It has been almost six years that the Chandigarh Administration has been restoring the Capitol Complex. Tenders up to Rs 26 crore were floated only for restoration. Obstructions such as hired consultant leaving the restoration work midway added to the misery.
You May Like
Photos
