The Pioneer 11.07.2013
UT notifies Master Plan, seeks objections from public
The draft Master Plan for Chandigarh (CMP) 2031, has been approved by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Shivraj Patil.
The proposed draft has been uploaded on the official website of the UT administration www.chandigarh.gov.in and the residents can submit the objections in next 30 days.
The copies of the draft Master Plan have also been made available at the offices of the UT Deputy Commissioner, MC Commissioner, Central Library Sector 17, Central Library Sector 34, Library Panjab University Sector 14, Library Chandigarh College of Architecture Sector 12, Le Corbusier Centre Sector 19, SDM Office Sector 17, SDM office Sector 42, SDM Office Industrial Area
Phase I and the Block Development & Panchayat Officer Sector 19 here.
Also, the copies of the CMP 2031 can be purchased personally from the office of the Senior Town Planner, Department of Urban Planning, 5th floor, UT Secretariat, Sector 9 at the cost of Rs6,000.
Now, the draft CMP would be taken into consideration by the UT Administration through a Board of Inquiry/Hearing on or after the expiry of a period of 30 days from the date of notification.
For the preparation of the Master Plan, the Administration had constituted a Committee comprising of Chief Architect Sumit Kaur, Chief Engineer SK Chadda among others.
Based on detailed studies of the existing ground realities including detailed SWOT (strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threat) analysis, active engagements with various stakeholders, site visits, feedback from various departments of the Administration, presentations to the Administrator’s Advisory Council, High Powered Coordination Committee at New Delhi, the comprehensive document of CMP 2031 provides a vision in which the development and future planning of Chandigarh should be undertaken.
The entire area of 114 sq km comprising the union territory of Chandigarh has been covered in the Master Plan and includes 70 sq km of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the original plan prepared by Le Corbusier and Phase 3 Sectors besides the area under the periphery.
No change has been proposed in the land use already defined in the sectors falling in the three phases, however to meet the requirements of basic infrastructure / amenities due to increase in population and other contingencies, intensive utilisation of existing facilities including heath care, education,
recreation has been permitted subject to ensuring that changes do not adversely impact the quality of life and overall character.
In view of the limited land available for future growth and infrastructure needs, and to maintain its low rise, green and spacious character, the holding capacity of the landlocked city has been capped for a population of 16 lakh.
The draft CMP 2031 also takes care of the imperative of maintaining the original character of the city and has appropriately incorporated follow up actions needed in pursuance of the report of the Expert Heritage Committee on the preservation of Heritage of Chandigarh approved by the Centre.
Besides, 17 vacant pockets have been identified in the periphery and land use for each pocket has been sensitively proposed to meet the future requirements for housing, institutions, commercial, social and physical infrastructure taking into consideration the edict of Chandigarh, preservation of ecology and environment, compatibility with the adjoining land use, and the ongoing projects of the Administration.
CMP also proposes 12 green corridors running north - south connecting and exposing various areas of the city and offering enriched adventure trails for the youth. The draft CMP was also sent to the Town and Country Planning Organisation of Union Ministry of Urban Development, who have supported its recommendations.