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Chandigarh:
At one time Punjab became a state without a
capital. Though there was a temporary secretariat at Simla in Himachal, the political leaders
grew anxious. A capital had to be formed. This responsibility was given to the French
architect La Corbousier. With the help of brother Pierre Jinert, the English
couple Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew, as well as a number of Indian architects, Chandigarh, the
present capital, came into being at the foot of the Sivalik Hills, running parallel to the
Himalayas.
It was built in 1953 and although the capital of two states, it is administered by the Central
Government, Since 1986 there has been talk about including it in Punjab on the basis of
language. Its altitude is 1150 ft. and its area is 114 sq. kms. The population is 640,725 or
5,632 residents per sq. km. This makes Chandigarh the 6th most densely populated district of
India. Literacy rate 78.73% or fourth place in the whole of India. There are too few females
here - only 790 to every 1000 males!
There is a certain planned harmony about the city, which I have not seen elsewhere in India.
The city is divided into sectors with the sum of adjacent sectors being exactly divisible by
13, there being no sector 13. The city projects the aesthetics of planned space that enhances
quality of living and well-being.
Right across the city from north to south, runs a seasonal stream, the banks of which have
been landscaped to provide a continuous stretch of green. Each sector has parks and
recreational centers to provide much-needed relief from the gloom of city living. Chandigarh
is on the world map for it's famed Rock Garden, a
visual treat of craftsmanship from discarded materials, which is a reflection of the
environmental awareness within the city.
The administrative hub of the city, the Capitol
Complex, houses the seats of two
state governments as well as the High court. The open palm, the
emblem of Chandigarh, arrests attention. One is aware of the undiluted pleasure of
architectural excellence, that always represents the culture and life-style of a people.
It is a very modern city built in 47 sectors except unlucky number 13. Each sector is
self-complete. There are market places and shopping centres. The sectors are connected by
State Transport buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis. The Secretariat, Terrace Garden in Sector 33, State Library, Super Market,
Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Shanti Kunj, Moonlight Garden, Bougain Villea Garden, The Museum,
The High Court, Vidhan Sabha and University - each is a fine specimen of modern art. The snow-white dome of Chandidevi's
Temple on the north-east of the city is visible from the lake. The city has been named
after the goddess whose temple stands on the slope of the hill. Route 32 buses ply
between the city and the temple.
Another attraction for travelers to the city is the Rock Garden by Nekchand, built with
multicolored pieces of useless stones and other throw-away objects. This magic garden covers
an area of 6 acres. All visitors to Chandigarh should see the garden. In summer it is open
from 9-13.00 hrs. and again 15-19.00 hrs. From October to March, they are open from 9-13.00
hrs. and 14-18.00 hrs
Another attraction for Chandigarh tourists is the Sukhna Lake,
area 3 sq. kms. in sector 6. Even local residents take walks along the shores of this
artificial lake. There is boating arrangement on all days except Mondays.
The Secretariat and High Court
buildings of Chandigarh are
veritable proofs of the architectural talent of La Corbousier. They are models of modernity.
One can enjoy an excellent view of the city from the roof of the Secretariat. To see the
Secretariat and the Assembly one has to take permits from the Reception Desk, 10-12 hrs. They
are open from 9-16.30 hrs. One can visit them even on Sundays and holidays. The doors of the
High Court are open to all. Its double roof gives protection from the heat of the sun and also
looks like the shell of an enormous tortoise. These two buildings stand beside at sector
1.
In sector 16 one can see Asia's largest Rose Garden Zakir Gulab Bag spread out over 30 acres of land. Here bloom 50,000 rose-trees of 1600
species out of 2000 which authority have planned to cover. It is open from morning till
evening. But then the flowers there are to be seen not to be plucked. The Museum and the Art Gallery are two other marvelous examples of this architect's
work. Exquisite pictures and sculptures increase their attractiveness. They are in sector 10.
Open from 10-12.30 hrs. and 14-16.30 hrs. on all days except Mondays.
Visitors to Chandigarh should also see the Punjab University Building in sector 14. The ground is hilly, the natural
surroundings beautiful. The attractiveness of the whole terrace has been enhanced by parks and
pools all over it. Almost all tourists try to capture the charm of Gandhi Bhavan with their cameras. The novelty of design of the University Library
Building and the Circular Student's Center impresses tourists. The canteen on the top floor of
the Student's Bhavan offers refreshment at nominal rates to tired sight-seers.
Super Market or shopping centre
is there at sector 17
surrounding Neelam Theater. The market consists of several sky-high mansions which are no less
attraction to tourists.
Chandigarh has an organized network of well-maintained, wide, metalled roads, kept clean and
litter-free, moving on course to becoming a world Heritage city by 2020 A. D. Even during the
monsoons, potholes are a rare sight. The sanitation of the city reflects the planning and
foresight of the architect.
Rapidly moving along the technological highway, with it's developing corporate sector,
internet services arrived early here, along with the setting up of a software technology park,
and the promotion of non polluting industries. Strict enforcement of traffic regulations and a
high degree of awareness of the literate population of the city, ensures minimum pollution
levels. The landscaped roundabouts connecting the major dividing roads are ablaze with
flowers. In the extreme winters the flowers are interspersed with city dwellers basking in the
warm sun.
The city residents adapt quickly to changing international cultural trends. Eating joints,
pubs and discotheques are the new fad here. Various festivals are celebrated to mark the
seasonal calendar, including the rose festival, held in Asia's largest rose garden. Musical
nights and pop music festivals are popular among a fun-loving, robust people. The residents
live in total religious harmony, much needed in today's turbulent times.
Chandigarh has it's share of population hazards. Though the city is expanding peripherally
into the satellite towns of Panchkula
and Mohali, in Haryana and Punjab
respectively, yet congestion stress is clearly visible during office hour rush.
Chandigarh
is known for :
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