New Chandigarh will have a number of iconic features, including a “green necklace” which would include nature trails and bicycle paths besides “water front” development to ensure it finds a place amongst the top planned cities in the world.Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today gave in principle approval to a presentation given by multinational architecture and engineering firm Aecom who have been taken on by the Punjab government to plan the entire city, including its lay out, landscaping and development.Sukhbir Badal approved the creation of green development in the form of a necklace which will encircle the commercial district as well much of the residential areas. He also approved creation of a water front development alongside the commercial district besides creation of a 50 hectare lake. The Deputy CM also gave approval for creating grids on the same pattern as Chandigarh to ensure efficient planning of the residential areas. He however approved high rises in both the city centre as well as group housing areas with the only restriction being that they should be in the North – South grid so that the view of the Shivalik mountains is not disturbed. It was also decided that group housing would be located along the sector park with towers facing the central greens which would be a feature in all parks.
The Consultants were also asked to suggest ways and means to increase the green cover in all the sectors. There was a proposal to allow an increase in the high rises to accommodate more open green areas.Aecom Consultants while briefing about the project, said the city would emerge as an “Intelligent City” and that it would not have any over ground poles. The firm said it will also be a low carbon emission city with residential areas being inter connected to each other. Other features of the city would include an 18 hole golf course besides encouraging organic farming in its periphery. It was also informed that there would be provision of community clubs and community centers in all the green areas.Aecom Consultants also disclosed that different areas as well as street furniture would be branded by using different Phulkari motifs. These motifs would also be used to decorate the entrance of the city.
Badal meanwhile asked the company to beautify the area adjoining the Siswan dam. He also directed the Consultants to present a complete landscape plan along with the trees and shrubs which would be used in different areas. He also directed that plantation of the trees should start in August this year.New Chandigarh will have a unique land use mix with 386 acres being earmarked for Edu City, 413 acres for Medi City, 75 acres for City Center and 79 acres for Commercial Center.Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Mr. A. Venu Prashad, Secretary Housing, Mr. P.S. Aujla, Principal Secretary to Deputy CM, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Mr. Rahul Tewari, both Special Principal Secretaries to Deputy CM, Mr. A.K. Sinha, Chief Administrator GMADA.