Proposed road linking Chandigarh to Panchkula faces green hurdle

A proposed road aimed at easing traffic between Chandigarh and Panchkula through Industrial Area, Phase I, faces a major hurdle with the UT Forest Department opposing its passage through reserved forest land.

The UT Administration has proposed a direct road from the Colony No. 4 light point in the Industrial Area, Phase I, towards Daria village to ease traffic during the peak hours on the stretch between Poultry Farm Chowk and the Hallo Majra light point. The new road is intended to serve as an alternative route for commuters reaching Chandigarh from Panchkula, Baltana and Zirakpur. It would connect Industrial Area to the peripheral road of Daria village, which can be used by commuters heading towards Panchkula.

However, the officials stated that a portion of the proposed road would pass through the Daria reserved forest area as well as the newly developed green area after the demolition of Colony No. 4.

“For the construction of the road, several hundred trees in the forest area will have to be axed,” said an official.

At present, there are two main routes to Panchkula — one via the Housing Board light point on Madhya Marg and the other via the Hallo Majra light point along the Mauli Jagran road.

The new road would benefit those travelling to Panchkula, Baltana and Zirakpur. It will help reduce traffic at the Hallo Majra light point.