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Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Chandigarh's celestial leap: A planetarium to light up Sec 53
1 2 Chandigarh: In a city known for its meticulous planning and modernist architecture, Chandigarh is now preparing to add a new feather to its cap — a state-of-the-art planetarium, the first of its kind in the Tricity region. Designed to simulate the night sky on a domed ceiling, this futuristic facility will serve as both an educational hub and a space for public engagement with astronomy and space science. The planetarium is set to rise on a two-acre plot in Sector 53, recently vacated following the demolition of the iconic Furniture Market that once lined the Sector 53/54 dividing road. With its glass ceiling, immersive screen, and ultra-modern design, the structure promises to be a visual and intellectual landmark, offering visitors a chance to explore the cosmos without leaving the city. According to sources in the Chandigarh administration, the planetarium will feature multiple educational components focused on astronomy and space science. "It will be an attractive building with glass architecture and cutting-edge equipment. The location, surrounded by greenery and free from major constructions except a nearby Gurudwara, will lend it a serene and natural ambiance," an official said. While the planetarium will occupy the Sector 53 side, the land on the opposite side — Sector 54 — is earmarked for commercial development under Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Kuta Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Additionally, a significant portion of the reclaimed land belongs to the Chandigarh Housing Board (CHB), which plans to develop a housing society there in the future. To safeguard the newly vacated land, the engineering department has begun fencing the area with concrete poles and iron wiring. The estate office is also maintaining strict vigilance to prevent any further encroachments and ensure the land is used strictly according to the city's development blueprint. Cycle track on Sec 53/54 road In a complementary move, the administration has also kickstarted the construction of a dedicated cycle track along the Sector 53/54 dividing road. This project, long delayed due to encroachments by market shopkeepers, is now finally underway. "The plan was ready, and the work allotted earlier, but couldn't be executed. With the land now cleared, construction has begun under the supervision of senior engineering officials," an official confirmed. Prime land unlocked The demolition of the furniture market has not only cleared space for new development but also unlocked 10–12 acres of prime urban land, estimated to be worth Rs 400 crore. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav emphasized the importance of preserving the city's planned character. "I urge all citizens to refrain from unauthorized occupation of public land. Initiatives like this are essential for Chandigarh's holistic development and ensure public resources serve the greater good," he said after the demolition of the furniture market.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
CET to draw one lakh candidates to Chandigarh over weekend
The Haryana Staff Selection Commission's (HSSC) Common Eligibility Test (CET) will be held on July 26 and 27 at 153 centres across Chandigarh, with about one lakh candidates and their companions expected to arrive in the city over the weekend. Each day, the test will be conducted in two shifts — from 10 am to 11:45 am and 3:15 pm to 5 pm — with nearly 37,000 candidates appearing per shift. To ease travel, the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) will operate around 350 shuttle buses linking all exam centres with the Exhibition Ground in Sector 34 and the Dussehra Ground in Sector 17. Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav reviewed arrangements with senior officials on Thursday, directing departments to coordinate to ensure a peaceful, transparent and hassle-free examination. 'It is the administration's responsibility to conduct the test smoothly. All departments must work together so that candidates do not face any inconvenience,' he said. To maintain the security and confidentiality of question papers, 39 special duty officers have been deployed, and the Chandigarh Police will sanitise all centres a day before the exam. A central control room will operate during the tests to handle any emergencies. The administration has also issued a helpdesk number, 0172-2700025, for candidates to report problems. Officials have been instructed to ensure availability of drinking water, electricity, medical aid and signage at all centres. Senior officers from education, health, police, transport and municipal departments participated in the review meeting.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
PGI-Sarangpur flyover headed to Chandigarh heritage panel for green light
Nearly five years after it was first proposed, the much-anticipated flyover project from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) to Sarangpur is set to be sent to the Chandigarh Heritage Committee for final approval before execution. The Chandigarh administration's move follows strong recommendations from the road safety committee in April this year, which flagged the stretch as a major traffic bottleneck and urged immediate revival of the flyover project. (HT file photo) The UT administration's move follows strong recommendations from the road safety committee in April this year, which flagged the stretch as a major traffic bottleneck and urged immediate revival of the flyover project. According to the detailed plans prepared by the UT engineering department, the project is estimated to cost around ₹90 crore. The flyover will be 1.75 km in length, with a 1.3-km elevated stretch. It will begin near PGIMER and terminate near the Botanical Garden in Sarangpur, passing over Khudda Jassu and Khudda Lahora villages. The planned total width of the flyover is around 19.1 metres and the carriageway width will be 17.5 metres. UT chief engineer CB Ojha said, 'Following the recommendations of the road safety committee, we are sending the project to the Chandigarh Heritage Committee for final approval. Once we receive the green light, we will begin execution.' Any projects requiring architectural changes to the city's original plan and heritage require the committee's clearance. The committee's next meeting is scheduled in August. The project was initially proposed in 2020 and a geotechnical study was also conducted. The UT-appointed technical consultant, General Highways and Infracon Pvt Ltd, had submitted a detailed report on the feasibility of the project. However, in February 2023, the proposal was shelved after a Metro corridor was planned along the same route. Stretch a critical chokepoint, says road safety committee The proposal was revived after a fresh survey was conducted under the direction of deputy commissioner and road safety committee chairperson Nishant Kumar Yadav. In its latest report, shared in April, the committee highlighted that traffic jams, lack of footpaths (forcing pedestrians onto roads), roadside parking, encroachments by shops, waterlogging during monsoon, U-turns at junctions and autos halting mid-road to pick up passengers had collectively turned the stretch into a critical chokepoint. As a solution to the clash between the proposed Metro corridor and a flyover plan on the PGIMER-Sarangpur stretch, the UT engineering department in June suggested a double-decker structure — with one level for the Metro track and another for vehicular traffic. The committee also suggested the construction of a grade-separated flyover, relocation of a nearby school's boundary wall to create a walkable footpath, removal of roadside encroachments, installation of five to six sets of rumble strips (15 mm thick at 50-metre intervals), the creation of a designated school zone and widening the road to 200 feet for Mullanpur-bound traffic.
Indian Express
21-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
UT demolishes Furniture Market, reclaims 10–12 acres of land
The Chandigarh Administration Sunday showed its commitment to planned and sustainable urban development by demolishing the Furniture Market and reclaimed approximately 10–12 acres of land in sectors 53–54. As per a Chandigarh Administration official, the reclaimed land, acquired for the third phase of Chandigarh's urban expansion, has now been handed over to the Engineering Department for its planned development. It is valued at approximately Rs 400 crore. The original landowners have been duly compensated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring a fair and transparent acquisition process, added the official. Chandigarh's Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav has urged all citizens to refrain from unauthorised occupation of public land. On Sunday, the demolition drive at the 40-year-old furniture market in Sector 53 began at 7 am. It was backed by nearly 1,000 police personnel, civil defence volunteers, and heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclain machines. Officials from the UT Administration reached the site and made announcements urging shopkeepers to vacate the premises and remove their belongings. While many traders had already shifted their furniture, a few still had stock left. These shopkeepers were given a brief time to clear out before the demolition commenced in their shops. Rajeev Bhandari, brother of Furniture Market Association president Sanjeev Bhandari, expressed disappointment over the drive. 'We did everything we could to save this market — it holds over four decades of memories. Unfortunately, we now have no option but to relocate,' he said. The disputed land, part of a 227.22-acre acquisition made in 2002 for developing sectors 53, 54, and 55, included 10-12 acres allegedly encroached upon by furniture dealers. While 29 shops were already demolished on June 30, another 116 were razed Sunday, marking the final phase of the clearance. Cong slams demolition, demands immediate rehabilitation The Congress has criticised the Chandigarh Administration's demolition of the decades-old Furniture Market, calling the action arbitrary, unjust, and devoid of humanity. The move has displaced hundreds of shopkeepers and rendered numerous daily-wage workers jobless. Chandigarh Congress president H S Lucky criticised the administration for ignoring the Punjab and Haryana High Court's advice to take a sympathetic approach and explore possibilities of alternative site allotments for affected traders. 'The administration acted without proper notice, consultation, or arrangements for relocation. This isn't governance — it's a systematic attack on the livelihoods of ordinary citizens,' Lucky said. He accused the administration of repeatedly showing a lack of concern for people's lives and called for an immediate rehabilitation plan and alternative commercial spaces for the evicted shopkeepers. 'Demolition has become their only achievement' The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opposed the Chandigarh Administration move to demolish decades-old furniture market in sectors 53–54, terming the action 'heartless' and 'ill-conceived.' The party accused the administration of systematically targeting the urban poor and small traders. 'The same administration that cleared slum clusters without proper rehabilitation has now bulldozed small furniture businesses, leaving over 100 shopkeepers and their families without livelihood,' said AAP Chandigarh president Vijaypal Singh. Singh added, 'These traders have been part of Chandigarh's economy for decades, contributing taxes and services. Their sudden eviction is unjust. The government must immediately announce compensation and a structured rehabilitation policy.' AAP general secretary Sunny Aulkakh emphasised that the Furniture Market had served the city's needs for nearly 40 years and that the overnight demolition without offering an alternative site was unacceptable. 'All affected shopkeepers must be allotted space in the proposed Sector 56 bulk market and compensated for their losses,' he said. Vikrant A Tanwar, AAP's general secretary (trade) and state media in-charge, declared the party's intent to escalate the issue at every available platform. 'We demand a joint committee with trader representatives to ensure transparency in compensation and fairness in relocation,' he said. The AAP also reminded the administration that true development should be measured by how many lives are improved — not how many livelihoods are destroyed. 'Small traders are the backbone of Chandigarh's economy. Demolition cannot be a substitute for policy,' the party said in a joint statement.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
City's iconic furniture market demolished
1 2 3 4 Chandigarh: Despite earnest but futile efforts by shopkeepers in the furniture market, bulldozers rolled in early on Sunday morning, flattening the four decade old market. As a few shopkeepers frantically tried to remove the remaining stock and others cried, a large police force stood guard at the market on the road dividing sectors 53 and 54. The Chandigarh administration has pegged the market value of the land, which spans around 10 to 12 acres, at Rs 400 crore. This time, the administration made a determined push to free the prime land from the traders they have repeatedly described as encroachers. A total of 116 shops were demolished during the drive, which lasted about four hours. No untoward incidents were reported as the market, which was established in 1986, was razed. To prevent protests, the Chandigarh administration deployed around 1,000 police officers and sealed roads leading to the demolition area. Personnel from the MC, civil defence, fire and emergency services, and enforcement department were also present. The demolition drive was scheduled to start at 7am but the staff involved turned up earlier. In the wake of fervent appeals by shopkeepers struggling to remove heavy furniture from their shops, they were given two more hours to do so. In the absence of resources like godowns or alternative sites, desperate shopkeepers resorted to distress sale of furniture at throwaway prices, offering 50% to 60% discounts. Deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, SSP Kanwardeep Kaur, along with other administrative and police officials, also visited the furniture market to assess the demolition drive and the situation on the ground. When the dust settled towards the evening, the Chandigarh administration said that it was committed to planned and sustainable urban development, with public interest as its guiding priority. "The administration has successfully reclaimed approximately 10 to 12 acres of land in Sectors 53–54, previously under illegal occupation by the furniture market. The reclaimed land, acquired for the third phase of Chandigarh's urban expansion, has now been handed over to the Engineering Department for its planned development. Valued at approximately Rs 400 crore, the land holds significant importance for the city's growth and future infrastructure projects," an official release from the Chandigarh administration reads. Referring to the compensation given to original landowners at the time of land acquisition years ago, the administration stated, "The original landowners have been duly compensated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, ensuring a fair and transparent acquisition process. It is the Chandigarh administration's firm stance against illegal encroachments. All unauthorized occupations of public land will be dealt with strictly, and appropriate measures will continue to be taken to prevent such violations in the future. " Meanwhile, shopkeepers at the furniture market maintain that they never encroached on the land. According to them, they had been paying rent to the original landowners much before the administration acquired the land. They had agreed to be relocated and were trying to buy time so that they could gather resources for auction and to pay off loans. **Box: Greater good: DC Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav said, "I urge all the citizens of the city to uphold the city's planned character and to refrain from unauthorized occupation of public land. Such initiatives are essential for Chandigarh's holistic development and to ensure that public resources are utilised for the greater good of all residents." Box: Betrayed, lied to: Traders assn Talking to TOI, Sanjiv Bhandari, president, Furniture Market Association, said, "Chandigarh administration has acted atrociously by removing us before rehabilitating us. We are not encroachers and have been here since 1986. The Chandigarh administration itself conducted surveys six times. We were ready to make payment, but the administration did not listen to us." Maintaining that the furniture market was the oldest in the city and the shopkeepers had been paying taxes diligently, he said that the market provided employment and income to over 5,000 people. Accusing the administration of reneging on its promise and organising the drive in a way that they would not been able to get a court reprieve, Bhandari said, "Our matter is still pending with the High Court, and the date is scheduled for Tuesday, and they demolished the market today (Sunday). We supported the administration each and every time, but they did not listen to us. They promised us to first give the land and then remove us from here, which they did not do. " Highlights of the drive —116 shops demolished in a 4-hour operation on Sunday morning. —Market was located between Sectors 53 and 54, established in 1986. —10–12 acres of prime land reclaimed, valued at Rs 400 crore Security & Execution —1,000 police personnel deployed to prevent protests —Roads leading to the market were sealed —Officials from MC, civil defence, fire services, and enforcement were present —Shopkeepers were given 2 extra hours to remove furniture. Impact on Traders —Traders resorted to distress sales with 50–60% discounts —No alternative sites or godowns provided. —Market supported over 5,000 livelihoods. —Traders claim they were paying rent and were willing to relocate, but were denied time and support. Administration's Stand —Land handed over to Engineering Department for urban development. —Original landowners were compensated as per law —Administration reiterated its stance against illegal encroachments (Photos by Pritam Thakur) MSID:: 122798777 413 |
