City with Open Hand turns 75: Can Chandigarh grow without losing itself?
Chandigarh, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this October, is a city that continues to face a fundamental question: can it grow without losing its unique character? The city, designed by architect Le Corbusier, was built on three cardinal principles - sun, space and greenery. Despite its rapid growth and a dwindling amount of land, there is a concern that vertical growth could damage the city's essence.
The recent amendments to the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031 have opened the door for high-rises, but this move is met with strong opposition from residents, elected officials and even bureaucrats. The city's population is at an all-time high, and while some argue that the city should grow upwards to accommodate more people, others fear that such changes could compromise the city's unique identity.
The debate over the city's future is complicated further by the city's political history, as it has been the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana since 1966. Despite this complex past, Chandigarh remains a beloved home for many, with its sectors each offering a unique charm.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
