UT seeks extension in deadline to prepare city master plan

The UT Administration has sought an extension in the deadline to prepare the master plan for Chandigarh. An application was filed by the Administration on Friday during the resumed hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Gurbax Singh Shergill,a local resident.

UT Senior Standing Counsel Sanjay Kaushal contended that the Administration was in the process of finalising the master plan. Highlighting the fact that the original plan and architecture of the city needs to be maintained,Kaushal demanded that the deadline to prepare the master plan be extended to March 31,2011.

A division bench headed by Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal has issued notices to the petitioner in response to the application moved by the Administration.

The case will come up for resumed hearing in January. The application has highlighted the significant parameters that have been finalised for preparation of the master plan.

Kaushal contended that there was a dire need to increase the green cover and make the city free from slums,adding that urban villages should be created and Chandigarh made a pedestrian city.