10 Jaw-Dropping Facts That Prove Chandigarh Is India's Coolest Planned City
The capital city of Punjab and Haryana known as Chandigarh unites contemporary design structures with orderly urban development alongside picturesque surroundings. Chandigarh stands out as the 'City Beautiful' because of its neat structure and energetic local atmosphere. Chandigarh contains 10 significant facts which will astonish all visitors.
1. Chandigarh Was Designed by a French Architect
Chandigarh stands out because of how it came into existence. When India gained its independence in 1947 the Punjab territory experienced partition creating a new border which separated India and Pakistan and placed Lahore as their capital in Pakistan. When the Indian government initiated the construction of a new national capital it took the decision. Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier became the designer of the city when the government contracted him for his expertise in 1950. Through his architectural and urban planning ideas Chandigarh became a modern symbol that defines both aesthetics and organization.
The designs created by Le Corbusier focused on both functionality alongside spacious areas and greenery. The design of Chandigarh features a rectangular system with distinct sections to demonstrate his methods of creating an effective urban community. Major business services operate independently from one another in separate sections that retain educational centers, medical services and shopping opportunities.
2. It Is India's First Planned City
India established Chandigarh as its very first organized urban development. From traditional Indian times until its foundation the majority of Indian cities developed spontaneously through centuries of spontaneous growth instead of planned development. Le Corbusier worked with architects Pierre Jeanneret and E. Maxwell Fry and Jane Drew during the complete design of Chandigarh from the beginning.
The master plan of Chandigarh has distinct zones that separate residential from industrial from commercial from educational and recreational parts of the city. The considered design structure of the city makes Chandigarh rank as one of the cleanest and most habitable cities in India.
3. The Capitol Complex Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Chandigarh features one of its most famous architectural achievements through its Capitol Complex situated in Sector 1. Le Corbusier designed the complex which includes three remarkable buildings: the Secretariat alongside the Legislative Assembly as well as the High Court. The structures at these buildings express Le Corbusier's particular design sense through their combination of large geometric structures and exposed concrete materials and creative lighting patterns.
The Capitol Complex received UNESCO World Heritage Site status during 2016 because its modernist architecture qualifies it as an outstanding example for the site designation. The landmarks await visitors who want to view their historical significance together with their cultural value.
4. Rock Garden: A Unique Artistic Creation
The Rock Garden of Chandigarh exists as a masterpiece that showcases how people can creatively combine creativity with environmental awareness. Artist Nek Chand constructed this magical 40-acre territory by transforming discarded broken tiles and bangles along with crockery and industrial waste into sculptures for his masterpiece.
A clandestine secret development initiated during 1957 transitioned into one of India's most popular travel destinations. Thousands of tourists see the Rock Garden each year because they come to view its interconnected stone pathways and whimsical art statues and waterfalls. The concept demonstrates that art and sustainable practices can exist together peaceably.
5. Chandigarh Has a High Quality of Life
Chandigarh stands as one of India's leading cities in terms of safety and cleanliness resulting in a superior life quality. Public spaces together with extensive roads and abundant green areas make Chandigarh recognized as a prime exemplary city. The Swachh Survekshan rankings frequently show Chandigarh taking positions at the top for maintaining cleanliness throughout the city.
High-quality healthcare facilities together with educational institutions and recreational opportunities make up the advantages of the city. Residents and tourists can enjoy the peaceful landscapes of Sukhna Lake Rose Garden as well as Zakir Hussain Rose Garden for recreation.
6. The City Is Divided Into Sectors
The city of Chandigarh follows a grid pattern distribution system that divides its territory into sectors which range from sector 1 to sector 56 while skipping specific numbers. Each 800 by 1,200 meter sector section includes all necessary amenities that residents can access through walking distance.
The zoning arrangement works to reduce traffic problems while keeping movement routes simple. Each sector contains its market located at the central point which provides easy accessibility for all people. Both main roads named Madhya Marg and Dakshin Marg have been designed to enable comfortable movement of traffic throughout the city.
7. Chandigarh Hosts One of Asia's Largest Rose Gardens
The Zakir Hussain Rose Garden occupies 30 acres space where visitors can find more than 50,000 rose bushes which belong to 1,600 distinct types. The aristocratic establishment dates back to 1967 to become one of Asia's largest rose gardens attracting numerous nature enthusiasts.
The month of February transforms the garden through the Rose Festival that brings together colorful flowers and performances along with cultural activities. The celebration of spring through this event welcomes people from different regions across the entire nation.
8. Chandigarh Is Known for Its Green Cover
The city receives its name from its 'Garden City' designation because of its extensive green nature. The total land mass of the city comprises about 47% forest area and green zone. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a protected reserve which shelters diverse flora and fauna together with migratory birds while positioned near Sukhna Lake.
Natural resource preservation stands as a priority focus area for the municipal leadership in the city. Through its park maintenance and eco-friendly practice promotion along with tree planting initiatives Chandigarh has received recognition as a leading green city in India.
9. Chandigarh Is a Hub for Education and Research
Several prestigious educational and research institutions establish their presence in the municipality of Chandigarh. The year 1882 marked the establishment of Panjab University as one of India's oldest educational institutions that continues to secure prestigious positions among national higher education institutions. The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) stands out due to its recognized medical facilities whereas the Chandigarh College of Architecture is a prominent educational institution.
The educational institutions in this city draw academic bodies from Indian students as well as international students who help maintain intellectual richness.
10. Chandigarh Reflects Cultural Diversity
Chandigarh functions as a modern city that accepts multiple cultural elements and various traditional patterns together with multiple culinary styles. The position of Chandigarh as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana enables it to showcase cultural elements from both states and it welcomes additional cultural influences from the rest of India.
The city celebrates its local festivals of Lohri , Baisakhi along with Holi in an energetic and joyous manner. Throughout the year Chandigarh presents multiple cultural events combined with fairs and exhibitions that display its artistic diversity together with its culinary traditions.
Final Thoughts
A strong example of effective planning coupled with leadership inspiration can be found through the city of Chandigarh. The city began as a well-thought-out urban project and today constitutes a diverse cultural and educational and sustainable center which generates continuous admiration. Chandigarh offers attractions that appeal to those who love architecture as well as nature fans alongside people in search of peaceful living. The harmonious fusion between contemporary elements and cultural heritage has made this city genuinely exclusive. Tourists and residents should willingly protect and explore it.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Transboundary elephant raids: Farmers in Bhutan leave croplands fallow
GUWAHATI: Farmers in Bhutan and India tend to leave their croplands fallow, fearing raids by elephants driven out of their natural habitats owing to anthropogenic or human-caused activities. Data on farmers on the Indian side of the boundary between the two countries abandoning their fields is not available. A report in Trumpet, a quarterly journal of the Wildlife Institute of India, said 30% of their counterparts in Bhutan leave their land fallow, fearing crop damage. The report cites a 2024 study revealing the scale of the challenge in Bhutan's Sarpang Forest Division, where more than 40% of the households reported experiencing human-elephant conflicts (HEC). 'Alarmingly, 30% of farmers leave their land fallow, fearing crop damage. Elephants primarily raid maize and paddy, which are the most widely cultivated crops, but cash crops like areca nut, oranges, ginger, and cardamom have also been targeted. The cultivated area for maize and paddy was large as compared to other crops, resulting in the maximum incidence of crop raiding by elephants,' the report said. The authors of the report are Ugyen Tshering, an officer at Bhutan's Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary; Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve; and Rupali Thakur and Anukul Nath of the Assam Forest Department. According to its national elephant survey in 2016, Bhutan has an estimated 678 elephants primarily inhabiting the southern foothills bordering Assam and West Bengal. While these animals are integral to the region's biodiversity, their presence increasingly comes at a cost to local communities, with HEC causing economic strain and social stress, particularly for farmers in southern Bhutan. Joint Assam-Meghalaya hydropower project opposed 'Farmers in Sarpang have observed a steady rise in elephant incursions, a trend likely driven by forest degradation and fragmentation, which push elephants into human-dominated areas. Yet, a significant number of conflict incidents remain unreported,' the report says. One of the factors behind under-reporting is said to be religious beliefs rooted in Bhutanese culture, which encourage compassion toward wildlife. 'Local communities in Sarpang have predominantly relied on traditional mitigation measures, including keeping night vigils, making fire, and beating drums. However, many farmers view electric fencing as the most effective solution,' the report says, pointing out that only 0.65% of the affected farmers in Sarpang could afford electric fences. Compared to their counterparts in Bhutan, more farmers in India – specifically Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) – are opting for electric or solar-powered fences and bio-fences, which involve growing 'elephant-repellent' cash crops such as lemon and chilli around rice and vegetable fields. The study attributes this to support from local governments and NGOs. Regional soft diplomacy HEC results in about 300 human and 200 elephant deaths in India every year, apart from damage to about 15,000 houses and 8-10 million hectares of crops. One of the major critical stretches is along the BTR-Bhutan border, more than 250 km long. During the late 1980s, present-day BTR experienced a severe socio-political crisis arising out of the Bodoland statehood movement, devastating the infrastructure of the region and causing large-scale destruction of the wildlife and its habitat, specifically the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve and the adjoining Manas Tiger Reserve. Asiatic wild dog returns to Assam's Kaziranga landscape The extent of the damage was evident from the eastern part of this landscape in 2009, when 14 people and 10 elephants died in conflicts. The study calls for promoting 'regional soft diplomacy by promoting multi-stakeholder groups such as the Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area, a Bhutan-India collaborative initiative established in 2011 to address protected areas and biological corridors along the border between the two countries. The study advocates exploring and implementing a variety of community and household-based protection measures, including cooperative crop guarding and fencing. 'Creating awareness and educating communities on the importance of elephant conservation should be initiated by officials from protected areas and other environmental and educational agencies,' it says. It also underlines capacity building and law enforcement. 'The officials and local teams on both sides of the border can be jointly trained to enforce the law and also maintain relevant databases. Illegal activities that result in elephant mortality can be prevented by such joint enforcement,' the study says.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolts Pakistan
An earthquake of magnitude 4.5 jolted Pakistan on Sunday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. As per the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 10km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.5, On: 29/06/2025 08:02:51 IST, Lat: 30.24 N, Long: 69.86 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025년 가장 여유 넘치는 농장 게임. 설치 없음 Taonga: 아일랜드 팜 플레이하기 Undo Shallow earthquakes are generally more dangerous than deep earthquakes. This is because the seismic waves from shallow earthquakes have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, resulting in stronger ground shaking and potentially more damage to structures and greater casualties. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. Further details are awaited. Live Events Earlier in the day, another earthquake of magnitude 5.2 on the Richter Scale jolted Pakistan in the wee hours. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 5.2, On: 29/06/2025 03:54:02 IST, Lat: 30.25 N, Long: 69.82 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Pakistan." Prior to that, another earthquake of magnitude 4.4 jolted the region, as per NCS. In a post on X, the NCS stated, "EQ of M: 4.4, On: 15/06/2025 23:42:42 IST, Lat: 28.85 N, Long: 67.72 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Pakistan." Pakistan is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, being crossed by several major faults. As a result, earthquakes in Pakistan often occur and are destructive. Pakistan geologically overlaps both the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates. Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan provinces lie on the southern edge of the Eurasian plate on the Iranian Plateau. Sindh, Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir provinces lie on the northwestern edge of the Indian plate in South Asia. Hence, this region is prone to violent earthquakes as the two tectonic plates collide.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: National Statistics Day- Understanding the legacy of the father of Indian statistics for UPSC Exam
Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today on National Statistics Day and the legacy of the father of Indian statistics. National Statistics Day is celebrated every year on June 29th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the father of modern statistics in India. This year it will be observed under the theme '75 Years of National Sample Survey', marking the significant contribution of the National Sample Survey in providing timely and reliable statistical data that supports evidence-based decision-making and governance in India. In this context, let's understand the legacy of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis. 1. In 2007, the Government of India designated June 29th as National Statistics Day to honour Mahalanobis' birth anniversary. The first National Statistics Day celebration took place in 2007 and has since become an annual event that highlights the crucial role of statistics in national development. 2. The day aims to raise public awareness, particularly among the youth, about the importance of statistics in strategic planning, economic development, and policy-making. 3. This year, on the occasion, a number of significant statistical publications will also be released, such as Nutritional Intake in India 2022-23 & 2023-24 and the Sustainable Development Goals – National Indicator Framework Progress Report 2025. 4. Additionally, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will introduce the GoIStat smartphone application, which was created to make official data easier to obtain. 5. An Indian scientist and statistician, Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, has made significant contributions to the field of statistics and economic planning in India. He is renowned for the Mahalanobis distance, a statistical measure. 6. Mahalanobis was born on June 29, 1893, in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in British India. He received his early schooling at the Brahmo Boys School, from where he graduated in 1908. 7. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in 1931 and and lay the foundations of the Indian statistical system through the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistical Organisation (CSO). He made pioneering studies in anthropometry in India. 8. Mahalanobis was instrumental in designing the way we conduct surveys today. He introduced the concept of pilot surveys and advocated the importance of sampling methods. He also introduced a method for estimation of crop yields using statistical sampling. 9. During the latter part of his life, Mahalabonis was a part of the Planning Commission of India which was responsible for independent India's five-year plans, in which he emphasized on the importance of industrialization and also corrected previous census methodology errors. 10. Mahalabonis was deeply interested in cultural pursuits and was awarded one of the highest civilian awards, the Padma Vibhushan from the Government of India for his contribution to science. Mahalabonis died on June 28, 1972. 11. Mahalabonis Distance (MD) is a multi-dimensional generalisation of the idea of measuring how many standard deviations away is point P from the mean of D. Apart from MD, which measures distance relative to the centroid – a base or central point which can be thought of as an overall mean for multivariate data. 1. The National Sample Survey Organisation has been conducting large scale sample surveys in diverse fields on All India basis since 1950. These surveys are conducted in the form of rounds extending normally over a period of one year though in certain cases the survey period was six months. 2. Primarily data are collected through nation-wide household surveys on various socio-economic subjects, Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), etc. Besides these surveys, NSS collects data on rural and urban prices and plays a significant role in the improvement of crop statistics through supervision of the area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of the State agencies. It also maintains a frame of urban area units for use in sample surveys in urban areas. 1. The MoSPI came into existence as an Independent Ministry on 15.10.1999 after the merger of the Department of Statistics and the Department of Programme Implementation. 2. The Ministry has two wings, namely, Statistics and Programme Implementation. The Statistics Wing called the National Statistical Office (NSO) consists of: 📌Central Statistics Office (CSO) 📌National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) 3. The Programme Implementation (PI) Wing has three Divisions, namely, 📌Central Twenty Point Programme (TPP) 📌Infrastructure and Project Monitoring (IPM) 📌Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) 4. Besides, there is National Statistical Commission (NSC) created through a Resolution of Government of India (MOSPI) and one autonomous Institute, viz., Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) declared as an institute of national importance by an Act of Parliament. Consider the following statements with reference to the contributions of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis: 1. He introduced the concept of pilot surveys. 2. He was the first Chairperson of the Planning Commission of India. 3. He introduced a method for estimation of crop yields using statistical sampling. 4. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Indian Statistical Institute in 1931. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Sources: Who was Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis or 'PCM'?, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
