Decongestion, not construction, need of the hour

Open House: how to keep heritage of city beautiful intact?

The heritage status of Chandigarh should be kept in mind while taking up any addition or elimination of structures. Construction of high rise structures should not be allowed to maintain legacy of Le Corbusier. These structures will spoil the beauty of Chandigarh and in turn the city may lose heritage status. The proposed 7-ft high security wall will give an ugly look to the present infrastructure. The authorities concerned should heed to suggestions of the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee before taking up any development plans.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

Maintain sanctity of City Beautiful

Post-Independence Chandigarh happens to be the first planned city of the country. The legendary French architect Le Corbusier conceptualised comprehensive modern urbanised city with unique zoning plans, designs, well-knitted road network and highly splendid landscaping. The holistic design concepts with unique features, especially in casting of Capitol Complex project found a place on the world map and accreditation by UNESCO as a world heritage site, a pride for the country. Therefore, the government must ensure that under no circumstances any fresh construction in vicinity of the Capitol Complex or any modification/alteration in existing structures that may cast shadows on the original grandeur of the city is permitted. At any cost, city’s sanctity should be maintained even if needed under statutory orders.

SS Arora, Mohali

Corbusier’s legacy on life-support system

There is no exaggeration in saying that the legacy of dream merchant Le Corbusier is on a life support, given the way those at the helm of affairs are hell bent on weaning away Chandigarh’s glory and heritage character with which its was conceptualised by the master architect. Now, that the court has granted permission to raise multi-storey structures around the heritage zone they have every valid reasons to destroy and demolish the legacy at will. If the idea of a ‘holistic’ development is implemented in letter and spirit by the iconoclastic ‘protectors’ the city’s heritage, overriding objections by the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee notwithstanding, would, surely than not, reduce UT to a city of slums and skyscrapers. If we want to save a semblance of the city’s heritage envisioned by Le Corbusier, all activity in and around the heritage area, including raising of the high security boundary wall, be put on hold for good.

Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh

Form panel to find vacant land

The City Beautiful was designed in 1950 as the new capital of Punjab and Haryana. This work was entrusted to Le Corbusier and his team. Since there was plenty of land the designed philosophy for buildings was to surround these by greenery in front and back sides. The present population of the city is 11.47 lakh. Chandigarh is also surrounded by Mohali and Panchkula two satellite towns on either side of the city. Land has become scarce in city. The Adviser should constitute a committee of architects and engineers to find vacant land without affecting the heritage stature of buildings in the city.

Harish Kapur, Chandigarh

No multi-storey buildings please

Chandigarh emerged as a prestigious and uniquely planned city and a progressive model for the nation to be implemented wherever possible elsewhere. We observe older cities adopting its layout for expansion. Why are we hell bent on enforcing dangerous building congestion other cities have on Chandigarh? Let Chandigarh expand horizontally (on land through tricity) and not vertically (in sky). Chandigarh should maintain Le Corbusier’s legacy. No multi-storey buildings please.

MPS Chadha, Chandigarh

Allow 7-foot-high security wall

Everyone knows that Chandigarh is a modern and beautiful city in Asia. It is famous in the world for it structures. It is moral duty of residents to maintain city’s standard as per norms of Le Corbusier. Bureaucrats and politicians should work enthusiastically to preserve city’s legacy. People should not destroy heritage buildings. Heritage angle must be considered while constructing new buildings. Construction of multi-storey structures should be banned. Seven-foot high security wall around the Capitol Complex should be allowed as times have changed. Even people are not safe at their homes.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Chandigarh

Keep a check on new construction

Yes, I strongly believe that fresh construction should be controlled if not banned altogether. It will not only maintain Le Corbusier’s legacy, but also check the growth of concrete forest, which we are erecting in city. Alternatives must be found to keep Chandigarh green and clean. Expanding population is affecting Chandigarh, but residents should rise to the occasion and stop unnecessary commercialisation.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh

High Court’s decision welcome

Our re-distilled wisdom and local ancient logic confirms that we should not live with the burden of past culture, heritage or old architect. Values based on necessities, needs and requirements change with time. Shed the burden of past and live in present. The High Court has rightly overruled objections of the Heritage Conservation Committee and accorded approval to holistic development plan, which includes construction of multi-storey structures. Is it sane and wise to stop all construction around such buildings just to preserve their heritage value? If we do so, Chandigarh may go on ‘Mohanjodaro’ way in ancient times. Le Corbusier never said nothing be constructed around big structures and Capitol Complex.

Capt (retd) Amar Jeet Kumar, Mohali

Rope in experts to discuss construction

Chandigarh is a planned city. Changes in its basic structure will impact its beauty and heritage status. Already the green area around the High Court is used for vehicle parking. A motorists shells out Rs30 for his/her vehicle parking despite the fact that Rs10 are charged for first four hours in entire Chandigarh. Regular changes in structures and the area around buildings would affect city’s planned status and disrespect Le Corbusier. Recently, court had ruled against the construction of building near the Sukhna Lake, which was to be occupied by high ups of society, including law makers.

Wg Cdr (retd) Jasbir Minhas, Mohali

Rigid mindset will not preserve legacy

This bureaucrat has raised eyebrows and sometimes let many pro-public proposals fructify in the name of Le Corbusier’s legacy. Now, when UNESCO guidelines to keep the vicinity of Capitol Complex free from high-rise building are under serious threat, this gentleman appears to be a silent spectator. The Tribune flyover and railway under bridge at Mani Majra were inordinately delayed due to his objections. Even assigning a new Sector status to an integral part of the city, which does not cost even a rupee, is awaiting his nod for the last six months. With such a rigid mind set he must show his spine and see that Le Corbusier’s legacy is not tampered even by the court.

SC Luthra, Chandigarh

Creativity of master craftsman DEGRADED

Today, 54 years after the death of Le Corbusier, not only he himself, but all residents of Chandigarh are also in pain and agony, all due to the neglect of the ‘first Indian Smart City’ by present administrators, local MP and Mayor. The Chandigarh Administration has not only failed to maintain legacy, but also degraded vision, creativity and foresight of a master craftsman. Very tenets on the foundation of which the city was developed, are in a state of neglect all due to bureaucratic red-tapism. Corbusier, along with Pierre and ICS Fletcher, had the vision to have self-sustained living and work areas, shopping and entertainment, all within walking distance. Today, what we have is 12 lakh vehicles on roads for an equal number of residents leave aside the floating numbers from the satellite towns. The important aspect that needs immediate attention is to ensure that the seed of Chandigarh, as planted by Corbusier, flourishes, and the ecologically sensitive and climate responsive design, manifests to the new Smart Cities, as a legacy. This would be the greatest tribute to the best urban planner, ever seen and experienced.

Rajiv Boolchand Jain, Chandigarh

Allow fresh construction

To preserve and promote Le Corbusier’s legacy, fresh construction should be done. Seven-foot security wall is must as a number of thefts of Le Corbusier furniture have been reported in the recent past. The Administration needs to create awareness among residents about the contribution of Le Corbusier towards the city. A large section of masses is still unaware about this name. To make people familiar about heritage and legacy, the Administration needs to store it safely under security cover. Fresh construction should be done keeping in mind the need to preserve city’s legacy and the need of the hour.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Step up efforts to preserve heritage

No multi-storey structures should be constructed in the vicinity of City Beautiful particularly near the Capitol Complex, which is one of the 17 buildings of Le Corbusier, recognised as a world heritage sites by UNESCO along with Ronchamp Chapel, the 20th century’s most important building and the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, architect’s only building in the far east. Le Corbusier collaborated with his cousin architect and designer Pierre Jeanerret to build and furnish the Capitol Complex. There is no doubt that preservation efforts need to be stepped up. Although most locals are aware of Le Corbusier’s involvement in Chandigarh, there seems to be little awareness of the cultural and heritage value of objects or even buildings in the city. Irrespective of the unsolicited modifications made over the years, the soul remains the same.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Develop other areas to reduce UT’s burden

Objections raised by the Architect and Heritage Department are genuine as construction in the tricity has already crossed all limits and is ultimately increasing population and pollution. Another area well connected with roads can be developed rather than overburden the City Beautiful. Secondly, if you continue construction in Chandigarh it will snatch its beauty.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Every country faces a challenge of balancing urban development with heritage preservation. Heritage values of the city should not be compromised. One has to find a solution without causing harm to the city’s character. Anything that threatens the heritage status of the Capitol Complex should be avoided.

Tarun Mathur, architect

Construction of 7-foot- high boundary wall is not a solution to the security of the High Court building . It will partition the oneness of the complex. Boundary wall is more risky as it facilitates anti-social elements to hide behind it. A comprehensive security plan should be thought of for the entire complex. New construction in the Capitol Complex and other heritage areas should not be permitted. Piecemeal solution will destroy the city’s heritage.

Surinder Bahga, Architect

We should be more careful about Capitol Complex as it is not city’s but world’s heritage site. City residents are lucky to have works of architect like Le Corbusier. It is the responsibility of all residents and the government to preserve it for future generation. We should not allow anything, which may threaten the status of heritage buildings. No construction should be permitted in the Capitol Complex as it will alter its design.

Renu Saigal, former Chief Architect

The Administration should respect committment to UNESCO for not interfering with the original character of the Capitol Complex. The world heritage status did not come in a day. It took many years for the preparation of the dossier submitted for seeking the world heritage status for the Capitol Complex. The administration will have to address security concerns of the High Court. Multi-storeyed structures at the Capitol Complex are against original concept .

Sumit Kaur, Former Chief architect

All facts regarding the world heritage status of the Capitol Complex, High Court and apex court judgments with respect to the city’s character and development should be placed before the court apart from solutions to address security concerns of the High Court. I remember a quote, “We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems”. The present situation is somewhat similar to this.

Ajay Jagga, advocate

QUESTION

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed work on the Tribune flyover. Experts have also raised concern over the UT Administration’s plan to build this flyove,r which is being viewed against the basic architectural plans of Chandigarh. Do you think this plan should be scrapped by the authorities?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com