Open House: What steps should the Chandigarh Administration take to ensure proper upkeep of sculptures in Leisure Valley?

Increase footfall at Leisure Valley

The deterioration of the sculptures in Leisure Valley is a matter of pressing concern. The departments concerned must be given responsibility for the upkeep of these sculptures and immediate preservation techniques must be employed. Moreover, the footfall to the Leisure Valley also needs to be increased. An increase in visitors will automatically lead to more care and maintenance. Online QR codes can be installed to increase awareness about the message of sculptures. Government-authorised guides can also be deputed to guide visitors about the sculptures.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Multi-faceted approach needed

Protecting sculptures in Leisure Valley requires a multi-faceted approach. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent damage from dust and pollutants. Secure fixtures should be installed to prevent theft or vandalism. Weather-resistant coatings can protect sculptures from harsh weather conditions. CCTV surveillance and regular patrolling can also deter potential vandals and ensure the sculptures' safety.

Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

Put sculptures up for ‘adoption’

It is the duty of the administration to take care of the sculptures. If they can't, they can be put for adoption by organizations, institutions, or companies. The artwork is the heritage of any artist that needs to be kept intact. The govt. should promote such sculptures online to attract tourists and let get their artists get a name and fame for their works.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Form a panel to carry out checks

The sculptures, monuments and such artifacts are our heritage and carry immense historical importance. It’s deplorable that some these such structures in the Leisure Valley are in the state of neglect. The UT administration must constitute a technical committee for an audit of such structures in the city and lay down guidelines for restoration works of there to the original specifications. Besides that there should be periodical assessment to ensure their proper maintenance and upkeep with accountability fixed for maintenance agency.

SS Arora, Mohali

Prepare a schedule for checks, repairs

By the looks of it, there seems to be no standard system for the upkeep and the repair of the sculptures, which are valuable assets of City Beautiful. The persons should be identified and given specific responsibility for keeping them in perfect order. The schedule for inspection and repair should be formulated. Boards for keeping area neat and clean should be placed at strategic points for public.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

Allocate proper funds for maintenance

The UT administration should conduct regular inspection of the sculptures to access their condition and identity and issues that need immediate attention. Allocate adequate funding and resources for the maintenance and restoration of the sculptures. It is government duty to implement a restoration and conservation plan for damaged sculptures, involving professional conservators and artists who can restore the artwork to their original condition. Regular cleaning and repair is necessary to a specific department or authority.

Anita KTandon, Mundi Kharar

Provide guided tours of Leisure Valley

Chandigarh is known across the globe for its planning, modernity and its beauty. It was designed by Le Corbusier and gave equal importance to each corner. Every building/area has meaningful value. The administration must maintain its status and standard. It should avoid the policy “much ado about nothing”. Sub-committee should be framed to maintain the standard of the city’s sculptures at the Leisure Valley. Watchmen should be appointed there. Well-educated guides should also be arranged. It should be made more beautiful. Public transport facilities should be provided to tourists.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Need to monitor the sculptures

City sculptures are in a state of neglect across the Leisure Valley. These are works of art and need to be preserved for the coming generations. CCTV cameras can be installed to monitor the sculptures. Guards round-the-clock can be another option. The administration can set up a dedicated number, email id to receive information from the public about any damage to the sculptures. Extend a reward/award/complimentary pass/appreciation certificate to the person who shares this information with the administration.

Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh

Educate visitors about the heritage

Employing top experts and architects to make Leisure Valley reach its full potential is the need of the hour. Strict laws and punishment for vandalism of public property should be brought into force and abided by. Proper security and cleaners can help keep park tidy. Money allotted for upkeep of parks should be fully utilised for the purpose. Education can play pivotal role in protecting heritage and beauty of the city.

Charu Malhotra, Mohali

Need to Establish accountability

It is a matter of shame for the UT administration that sculptures created by great artists in the Leisure Valley are in bad shape. Staff responsible for maintenance to be answerable and his name and mobile number displayed. Industrial houses, school colleges or NGOs may be encouraged to adopt each sculpture. Regular maintenance and timely release of funds are also essential factors.

Col KJ Singh, Chandigarh

Involve local artists to ensure upkeep

It is crucial that the UT administration take immediate steps to ensure the upkeep and preservation of sculptures at the Leisure Valley. A dedicated team should be assigned to regularly clean, repair and restore these sculptures. Additionally, funds should be allocated for periodic maintenance, and the involvement of local artists or conservators could provide both expertise and a sense of community ownership. The sculptures are an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to protect them for future generations.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Follow standard maintenance process

It is disheartening to see the precious works in bad shape. The responsibility of maintaining them lies with the authorities of the premises or the building in question. The present condition of sculptures warrants immediate required rectification. Simultaneously, action against erring officials must be taken to avoid repetition of such mistakes in question. The Standard Maintenance Procedure (SMP) should be drafted and implemented for all such sculptures in the City immediately. Responsibilities should be fixed by designation.

Vijay Shukla, Chandigarh

Help Leisure Valley generate revenue

The UT chief secretary should ensure that follow-up action is sustained on regular basis under documented mechanism when it comes to the upkeep of Leisure Valley. Even the best of artefacts can be an eyesore if shoddy and unkempt. Unlike the art pieces installed in some institutional buildings or premises, those in the Leisure Valley need to generate some revenue to they can be kept in their pristine glory. It can be done by providing some space for paid advertisements/recreation or facility developed for picnic/eatables.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

All stakeholders need to come together

The institutes or buildings where the sculptures are installed must seek ownership to ensure their daily maintenance and dignified restoration. Formalise an unambiguous standing operating procedure nominating the institutes or buildings to maintain them and if required support them regularly by allotting them additional grants on a case-to-case basis. However, the importance of effective overall supervision by the UT Administration’s Cultural Affairs Department can’t be overemphasised. The latter can form a committee drawing members from its Engineering Department and include the director and the deputy curator of the Government Museum and Art Gallery whose mandate should be to conduct quarterly audits.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

Increase community involvement

The UT Administration needs to allocate dedicated funds for the upkeep of sculptures in the Leisure Valley. Regular maintenance schedules should be implemented, involving cleaning, repairs, and protective coatings. Engaging local artists or experts to restore damaged sculptures can preserve their originality. Awareness campaigns and partnerships with private entities or NGOs can ensure community involvement. Additionally, installing security measures like CCTV and appointing guards can prevent vandalism and ensure long-term preservation.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

UT can’t shy away from responsibility

The UT administration cannot shy away from responsibility. After installation, they simply forget that some sort of maintenance is needed to look after such sculptures. Governments need to provide sufficient budgets for the preservation and maintenance expenses, especially at public places. Such artistic objects need better placements like art galleries, museums, railway stations, bus stands, airports etc. rather than public parks to be better appreciated.

Alka Tandon, Panchkula

Find interested parties to look after upkeep

An “Adopt a Sculpture” programme can allow local businesses, schools, and groups to take care of a sculpture, making them feel responsible for its upkeep. Similar to how some villages and bus stops around Chandigarh have been adopted by government schools, this idea can help maintain the sculptures in the city. This will not only help preserve the sculptures but also strengthen the community's connection to its cultural heritage, fostering pride and collective responsibility.

Krisha Bhatia, Chandigarh

Prevention is better than cure

When it comes to the upkeep of sculptures at Leisure Valley or anywhere else, two components need to be looked into. The first is to prevent the sculpture from decay due to vagaries of nature and the second component is to save such structures from vandalism. Restorers across the world have standard operating procedures for restoration or refurbishment of such sculptures. A team of experts along with able assistance of Government College of Art can help bring these sculptures back to life.

Gurnoor Grewal, Chandigarh.

Set up a sculpture maintenance fund

Expanding on the initiative, the UT Administration could implement a “Adopt a Sculpture” program, where businesses or individuals sponsor a piece for ongoing care. They might also establish a Sculpture Maintenance Fund through small public donations or art-themed merchandise sales. Introducing Sculpture Workshops could engage residents in learning conservation techniques, fostering a sense of ownership. Augmented reality experiences could also draw more visitors.

Amanjot Kaur, Mohali

Question for next week

Poor sanitation and unhygienic conditions continue to plague the fruit, vegetable and grain market in Sector 26. What steps should the UT Administration take to deal with the issue?

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