Ruchira tells us about Chandigarh, the first planned city in post-independent India, which was spic and span. Sadly, all that is changing now, she rues. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Chandigarh happens to be the first planned city in the country’s post-independence era. It enjoys a pride of place. Firstly, it is centrally governed union territory and two it doubles up as the capital city of two neighbouring states, i.e., Haryana and Punjab. Chandigarh was the brainchild of India’s erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Interestingly his dream project was taken up and translated into reality by Le Corbusier an architect of international repute. Its strategic location near Delhi and Shimla besides its accessibility from most northern cities and towns has helped to transform it into a tourist and entertainment hub as well.
I had first visited Chandigarh as a teenager, way back in the 1980s. The city held me spellbound. Neatly divided into sectors, it boasted of tree-lined avenues, roads, and streets. The lanes and alleys too were well maintained and spotlessly clean. Everything was in its proper place, no chaos or disarray anywhere!
I had first visited Chandigarh as a teenager, way back in the 1980s. The city held me spellbound. Neatly divided into sectors, it boasted of tree-lined avenues, roads, and streets. The lanes and alleys too were well maintained and spotlessly clean. Everything was in its proper place, no chaos or disarray anywhere! Few vehicles were visible on the roads. The city had such an indolent dreamy atmosphere.
Coming to the brass tacks, if you are interested in a city tour of Chandigarh, let me assure you that you can wind it up within the space of a single day. Visit the placid Sukhna Lake fringed by the Shivalik range in the distance. You will find serenity enveloping you while you are there. A visit to the Zakir Rose Garden is a must. Located in the heart of the city the vast green expanse boasts of more than a hundred varieties of roses. There is an exciting range of colours each with a catchy name. Who knows some of you might fall in love with the rose flower after a visit to this picturesque spot? Also, worth seeing is the Capitol Complex, located where all the administrative buildings are located. They include the legislative assembly, the Punjab & Haryana High Court and the majestic Open Hand monument among others. Designed by Le Corbusier and resembling the open palm of a human hand it is the emblem of the Government of Chandigarh.
At a stone’s throw from here the Rock Garden. Using his versatile imagination, Nek Chand who masterminded the project, turned the proverbial “waste into wealth.” There is an endless variety of objects which he had utilised: broken teacups, saucers, pieces of colourful glass bangles, discarded tyres, bottles, tins, and lots more. The garden is a veritable wonderland which the oldsters and youngsters alike find delightful.
It was originally envisaged as “the hand to give and the hand to take; peace and prosperity, and the unity of mankind.” At a stone’s throw from here the Rock Garden. Using his versatile imagination, Nek Chand who masterminded the project, turned the proverbial “waste into wealth.” There is an endless variety of objects which he had utilised: broken teacups, saucers, pieces of colourful glass bangles, discarded tyres, bottles, tins, and lots more. The garden is a veritable wonderland which the oldsters and youngsters alike find delightful. While in the city you could look at the local museum and art gallery. They boast of impressive collections. Your visit to Chandigarh would be incomplete without a visit to the Yadavindra Gardens located at Pinjore some miles out of town. It is a quintessential Mughal-style garden dating back to the 17th century. No wonder it bears a strong resemblance with the famous Shalimar and Nishat Bagh, landmarks of Kashmir’s Srinagar.
When the shadows of evening lengthen across the sky, the lights come on and fountains begin to play. It is a bewitching spectacle. If you have more time on your hands beyond just a day, it would be worthwhile to visit the Chhatbir zoological park located at Zirakpur village in the outskirts of town. With an exotic, varied collection of fauna, it has emerged as the largest zoo in north India.
Nearby townships like Mohali and Panchkula had made inroads into the city and swallowed the vast open spaces. Pretty bungalows yielded place to high rise apartment buildings. The streets were crowded with vehicles and jams had made their appearance.
Sadly, when I was in Chandigarh about eight years ago, I was dismayed by what I saw. Nearby townships like Mohali and Panchkula had made inroads into the city and swallowed the vast open spaces. Pretty bungalows yielded place to high rise apartment buildings. The streets were crowded with vehicles and jams had made their appearance. The spike in population had resulted in lesser cleanliness. Things have changed over the decades; change is still on… How long will the City Beautiful retain its beauty and charm is a million-dollar question!
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