Chandigarh turns 75 as debate grows over vertical growth and heritage

Chandigarh marks 75 years of its creation this October amid a growing debate over whether the city can grow upwards without losing its unique green and open character. The city's population has reached an all-time high with little land left to build upon, leading to an amended Master Plan 2031 that allows 10-storey high-rises in selected areas.

Background

Started in March 1948 by the Punjab government and the Centre near the Shivalik foothills, the city was planned by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier as a living organism with a strict sector grid. Pierre Jeanneret served as its first Chief Architect for 15 years, while the Capitol Complex was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.

The Conflict

The city now faces tension between long-time residents who want to preserve its low-rise heritage and newer arrivals who value its relative order compared to other urban sprawls. Residents previously took legal action up to the Supreme Court, which in January 2023 banned the apartmentalisation of houses in Phase 1 to protect its design.

Opposing Views

Former Chief Architect Sumit Kaur argues that high-rises will strain water, sewage, and road amenities while noting the city falls in Seismic Zone IV. Conversely, architect Bimal Patel defends the need for need-based changes, and the administration maintains that vertical growth is necessary since developable land is limited to about 114 square kilometres.

Context

Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana as well as a Union Territory, making its governance a shared and often politically sensitive matter among multiple authorities. Major urban planning debates in India frequently center on balancing the need for modern housing with the preservation of historical architectural heritage.