Understanding Of

Master plan
URBAN PLANNING
Yash Siroliya

CUN130301135

1. INTRODUCTION:

In March 1948,the site for the new capital for the state was approved in consultation of Punjab govt.
with Central govt.

The first team lead by American Planner Albert Mayer and architect Mathew Nowicki forplanning and
designing the city,prepared
prepared a fan shaped plan in context to the profile of the site, detailing out the
super block which constituted the basic module of city planning
1.1 THE MASTER PLAN: ALBERT MAYER

fan shaped
spreads gently to fill site between
two river beds
Curvilinear
ar roads defining the
circulation pattern punctuated by
green belts.
2 axial routes bordered by linear
parks
Overall plan avoids geometry, in
favour of curving system.

Plan

(Phase

I)

with

its

Green

Lungs

The original concept included re densification

of Phase I in order to accommodate population
of the city growing beyond
yond design population
of 5 lacs without changing the character of the
city and quality of life.

PHASE I - designed for designed for 150,000 in low rise

plotted development.
PHASE II - targeted 350,000 was with 4-storeyed
4
apartments for government employees with an increase
in the ratio of smaller plots/lesser open areas / nearly 4
times increase in density.
PHASE III planned
planned as gap between phase II and
upcoming new town Mohali in order to integrate and
promote planned development and continue the
sectoral grid ; comprising of Group Housing Schemes
and four storeyed flats built by the Chandigarh Housing
Board
oard and Cooperative House Building Societies.

1.2 CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE PLAN

i.
ii.

Planning in the context of its region

Comprehensive planning within new areas outside the UT boundary, to allow growth for future
residential land work areas.
Check undesirable
ble land uses and activities in the periphery
Provide, operate or maintain world class infrastructure services.
Enhance the aesthetics , design and urban form compatible with laid down principles
Maintain the integrity of its heritage
Integrate all Infrastructure
astructure services including Transporting the Capital City and its extensions to
benefit the agglomeration
Permit inclusive growth in both urban & rural villages.

iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.

Briefly, the challenge for Chandigarh is to frame strategies for Chandigarhs growth aligned to the original
principles adopted to the rapidly changing context. Though the metropolis today has fewer issues
compared to other similar metropolitan cities, yet the immediate issues relate to:
Limited/defined for the city

High degree of traffic congestion

Large scale urbanization in the periphery

1.3 A chronological account of the external factors: Challenge for Chandigarhs growth

1952- Creation of an 8 km radius agricultural belt in the peri

periphery
phery of Chandigarh through the
PERIPHERY CONTROL ACT 1952.
PURPOSE

to prevent unregulated development, maintain a clear rural-urban

urban dichotomy and Extension
of the Periphery Control Area to a16 km radius

Provision for planned future extension of the city.

1962- Establishment of the Army Cantonment, Air Force Station and, the township of Hindustan Machine
Tools (HMT) with their offices and other facilities.

1966 -Reorganisation
eorganisation of the State into States
of Haryana & Punjab

Chandigarh functioning as the State Capital.

Creation of the Union Territory of Chandigarh
in 70 sq. km as Capital City
. Extending the Periphery Control Area to
1315 sq. km.
1021 sq. km of the Periphery Control Area
went to Punjab.
295 sq. km to Haryana with remaining area.

Post 1966 -Establishment

Establishment of Mohali township of
Punjab in periphery covering 5500 acres and,
Panchkula township of Haryana covering 5000
acres.
1975- Constitution of a high powered CoCo
ordination Committee to resolve matters
pertaining
to
developments
around
Chandigarh and to suggest measures for not
compromising
mpromising
the
original
intent
oftheChandigarhPlan
1977 -Preparation
Preparation of the Regional Plan for
Chandigarh Urban Complex (CUC) Plan
covering 330 sq. km,
It comprised of Chandigarh Union Territory
(UT), parts of Mohali and its adjoining 27
villages and, parts ofPanchkulaand23villages.
1984-Review
Review oftheChandigarhUrbanComplex
(CUC) plannedpreparationofanew Interstate
RegionalPlan2001
1999-Preparation
Preparation
of
the
Chandigarh
Interstate Metropolitan
politan Regional Plan Plan
which enlarged the territory of
o the Plan to a
50km radius periphery control area.
area

2008 -Notification
Notification of the GMADA REGIONAL
PLAN 2056 by Punjab covering 1021 sq. km ,
creating 7 Integrated Economic Hubs
The area north of Chandigarh and abutting
the Capitol Complex created by Le Corbusier
and consisting of the village settlements Naya
Gaon & Kansal has also been notified as a
Nagar
Panchayat
by
thePunjabGovernmentunderwhosejurisdictiont
helandfalls

1.4 An over view and guiding principles for CMP 2031

Chandigarh shall be planned in the context of the region emerging as a result of dedicated efforts
of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh which surround the city.
Balanced regional development of the city can be achieved with the New Towns Developmen
within the region.
Subsumes that the Metro Plan shall consist of the boundaries of the Sub Regional Divisions of Punjab
and Haryana
Developments shall be guided along desirable lines in the new areas. Organic pattern of villages
where necessary shall be preserved and conserved
Chandigarhs architecture shall preserve the vitality of all public and private buildings. Public open
spaces shall be created as vibrant community spaces and the left out monuments envisaged by Le
Corbusier shall be completed.
Making the city greener, more eco-friendly, more people friendly, and more walking and biking
friendly. Mechanism of creating city forests shall be used for improving the micro environment and
flora and fauna in the city.
Due regard shall be given to preserve the bountiful natural heritage of forests, wild life sanctuary,
green spaces and water bodies within and around the city.

1.5 The Chandigarh Vision

The Chandigarh Visions hall guide civil society, business and citizens to allow legitimate economic
growth and development, recognize the citys heritage wealth, enshrine our commitment to equity and
inclusiveness and help build sustainability.

The SWOT analysis undertaken provides the basis for the Vision for Chandigarh and was derived from
citizens participation as well as the issues and concerns faced by the Chandigarh Administration and
the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation in managing the citys growth.
Chandigarh Capital City poised to protect, retain and enhance its Green City character and conserve
its architectural & planning idiom,
Strive to reduce spatial socio-economic disparities. .

The city shall continue to facilitate, promote and enhance the capital functions for which it was
originally designed.
Considering the ecological footprint and climate change reality, this capital city can be a torch bearer
in eco-friendly state of art technologies.
Synergizing development for shared responsibilities in management of critical infrastructure along with
Housing for all while maintaining allow to medium density profile shall be the agenda of the city.

The city shall continue to nourish itself through its green spaces and pedestrian friendly development
encouraging the use of bicycle.
The city shall become a Tourism Hub for nearby Religious/ Recreational/Health Tourism.

2. REGIONAL CONTEXT

2.1 Background
Chandigarh had pioneered the conceptualization, planning, legislating and reserving land for future
urban growth , thus introducing the regional context into the city plan.
The perspectives outlined in the master plan 2031 are as below :.
(i) The perspectives of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh U.T. Regional Growth Strategy.
(ii) Options for Chandigarh.
(iii) Issues of commonality.
Punjab has created a Greater Mohali Regional Development Authority (GMADA) to prepare an
Integrated Plan for 1190 sq. km region around Chandigarh.

2.2 Regional growth strategies of Punjab, Haryana & Chandigarh UT

The Integrated Development Plan under GMADA has jurisdiction over 6 local Planning Areas (Mohali /
Kharar / Banur / Zirakpur / Dera Bassi/ Mullanpur) each of which has been conceptualized as a HUB for
a
distinct
economy.

Showing Devlopment of Greater Mohali Region.

Map

Provisions were also made for environmental protection due to the sensitive topography of Shivalik Hills,
Kandi belt, plains and river belts, plus the Reserved and Protected Forests & Wild Life Sanctuaries in this
zone also agricultural lands were defined.
Land available under phase 3 within the UT and as part of periphery constitutes 44 sq kms. This has
partly been developed as medium size / high density residential within 13 Sectors in the form of group
housing development,Along with proposed high rise commercial / institutional blocks.
The development committee has taken the initiative to prepare an Inter State
Regional Plan for Chandigarh for the purpose of integrated planning and implementation and for
maximizing the benefits to all. In particular, there are contentious issues of addressing regionally, the
components of Water Supply/Landfills for SWM/ Underground Drainage /Transportation and Inter City
Connectivity: other issues related to Housing for all.

2.3 Chandigarh UT regional Growth Strategy.

The idea is that the mother city becomes the area for performing the core functions and fulfilling
demands specially of social infrastructure at the regional level. Similarly trade and commerce. It is
natural to seek bigger markets, better education, dependable healthcare which is only available in

Chandigarh. Effects of this demand are felt strongly in the transport sector resulting in congestion on
some arterial roads specially at peak times. The reverse is not true. Floating population and daytime
visitors also make demands on water supply and sanitation. These critically affect the day to day
problems related to infrastructure.

Existing Villages (15%); Manimajra (25%); Slum Rehabilitation (31%); Non Rehabilitated Slums (8%) and
Planned Neighborhoods (15%).

2.4 Options for Chandigarh.

The Master Plan recognizes that Land available with it in the Periphery has to be judiciously utilized to
enable the sustainable development of the city.
Chandigarh shall have to strategize on imposing a severe limitation to locating large scale industries ,
high bulk material stores requiring heavy freight containers etc for transportation on the fragile and
limited land resource available to it.
The location of Warehousing and Logistics Parks shall have to be determined based on mutual
understanding between the neighboring states, (there being a specific need for them in the region).

3 .MASTER PLAN AREA

3.1 BACKGROUND:

The Master Plan Area of Chandigarh covers an area ofapproximately 114 sq km defined by the
interstate boundary which
it shares with the states of Haryana in the east and Punjab in the north, west and south.
It includes the nearly fully
lly developed 70 sq km of the are planned by Le Corbusier and his team.
The 44 sq km of its 3% share of the 16 km periphery controlled area meant to maintain a clear rural
urban dichotomy and prevent unregulated urban development.
The 44 sq km periphery area
ea of Chandigarh is regulated by the Punjab New Periphery Control Act, 1952
with the exception of the abadi deh of the villages falling within it namely Sarangpur, Khudda Ali Sher,
Khudda Jassu, Khudda Lahora, Maloya, Dadumajra, Palsora, Kajheri, Raipur Ka
Kalan, Raipur Khurd,
Behlana, Hallomajra, Makhanmajra, Kishangarh and Manimajra.
The area also includes the two natural rivulets of the Patiali Ki Rao and the Sukhna Choe.
The CITY was meant to be the container and the PERIPHERY the provider, and had warned that
overlapping of the functions would result in anarchy.
the PERIPHERY succumbed to the pressure of the CITY as is clear from the changed character of the
PERIPHERY, which has not only shrunk in size but has transformed from a purely rural urban area to a peri
urban area .
Portions of the PERIPHERY are fully urbanised and in continuum of the CITY and the rest dotted with
pockets of spillover of urban uses.
Portions of the Periphery have also witnessed un
un- organized and haphazard growth due to the spillover
spillove
of the abadi deh of the peripheral villages.
Chandigarh is a living city which has witnessed unprecedented growth and has further momentum for
growth which has to be channelized systematically in order to enable the city to sustain itself within the
constraints.
The plans depicting the growth of the city since its inception in the first four decades is an indicator to
ascertain the future growth patterns of development in the city.

3.2 AREA INCLUDED IN THE CHANDIGARH MASTER PLAN :

The CMP - 2031 recognizes

ognizes that restoring back the original CITY PERIPHERY
PERIPHERY concept in its entirety is well
nigh impossible at this stage.
This Master Plan is an attempt to provide a holistic vision document prepared after undertaking an
exhaustive stocktaking of the ground realities and enunciating future growth and development
strategies and directions for the entire area under the jurisdiction of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
The Master Plan area thus spreads across the entire 114 sq. km of the area of the Union Terri
Territory of
Chandigarh.
The area also includes the census town of Manimajra which has grown from a small settlement having
an ancient history to an area under extreme pressure for development due to : [ 1] its prime location on
the Chandigarh Kalka Highway
its proximity to the main city of Chandigarh.
The expanding existing towns/ development of new towns of new towns of the State of Haryana.

AREA NOT INCLUDED IN THE MASTER PLAN AREA

As per Section 48 (5) and Schedule 13th of the Punjab Reorganization Act, 1966, 26 sq km area of the
Sukhna Wild Life Sanctuary on the North of the Capitol Complex abutting the interstate boundary, which
was acquired for soil and moisture conservation is iin
n possession of Chandigarh Administration.
According to the Forest Department, UT, the area belongs to Chandigarh as per the Reorganization Act,
1966 of Punjab.
This area has not been counted in the Master Plan area as the same is reserved/notified as Sukh
Sukhna Wild
Life Sanctuary and no other land use is proposed therein.
However the CMP-2031
2031 has been prepared giving due consideration to environmental safeguards
/measures for the protection of the flora and fauna of the Sukhna Wild Life Sanctuary while defini
defining the
landuse, developmental controls, no construction zones for the city as have been elaborated in detail in
the Chapter of Ecology and Environs
Environs.

4. PHYSICAL SETTING AND PLANNING CONCEPT

4.1 Location, extent and physiography

The Union Territory of Chandigarh is located near the foothills of the Shivalik Range in the northwestern region of the country and lies between 30 degree 39 N and 30 degree 49 N latitude and
75degree41 Eand76degree51Elongitude.
It has a geographical area of 114 sq. km.
Chandigarh has a cold dry winter, hot summer and sub-tropical monsoon.
The average annual rainfall ranges between 700-1200 mm.
The annual temperature varies between 1 degree c to 45 degree c.
Winds are generally light and blow from NW to SE direction with the exception of the Easterly to
South Easterly winds whichblowforsomedaysduringthesummerseason.

4.2 Geo-hydrology

The groundwater is present in multi-layered aquifers under unconfined and confined conditions.
The sand and gravel layers in between clay beds are the main water bearing horizons.
The groundwater occurs under unconfined condition down to about 80m depth in Manimajra area.
In other areas, the semi-confined state prevails up to 20-30 m depth.
The depth of the shallow aquifer system is less than 30m below the ground level.
The site selected for the new capital is bound by the
two seasonal rivulets of the Patiala Ki Rao and the
Sukhna Choe on its eastern and western sides. It has
a
natural
slope
from
the
NE
to
NW
facilitatingDrainage.

4.3 Seismic characteristics of the site

Chandigarh lies in Zone-IV of the Seismic Zonation Map

(2002)
of
India.
TheGeological
Survey
ofIndia,NorthernRegionhasbroughtoutan elaborate report
on Seismic Micro zonation of Chandigarh Urban Complex.
The studies indicate the following:

1. The seismic tectonic status of the area reveals that

Chandigarh is broadly associated with seismic intensity of
VIII on MSK scale and has been categorized in High Hazard
Zone.

2. The predominant frequency map suggests that taller

structures, particularly of 10 or higher storeys, would
experience much greater resonance. Short structures are
likely to get away without any pronounced resonance
effect and, therefore, are relatively safer.
3. The above findings caution that the design and
construction of structures, particularly the high rise ones,
should strictly adhere to the Seismic Codes.

4.4 PLANNING

THE MASTER PLAN

Chandigarh was planned as an Administrative Town for a population of 5 lakhs and built in two phases:

First Phase- Sectors 1 to 30

Second Phase - Sectors 31 to 47

Le Corbusier conceived the Master Plan of Chandigarh as

analogous to HumanBodyinterms of

Head (the Capitol Complex, Sector1),

Heart (the City Centre, Sector 17),
Lungs (the Leisure Valley, innumerable open
o
spaces, and
sector-greens),
The Intellect (the cultural and educational institutions),
The Circulatory System (the network of roads, the 7Vs)
and
TheIndustrialArea.
Working Areas The
The Capitol Complex Sector 17
Commercial
ommercial belts along Jan Marg, Madhya Marg,
HimalayaMarg, UdyogPath,DakshinMarg.
Living theSectors
Care of body and spirit Leisure Valley, Sukhna Lake,
parks, green belts, cultural belts and the educational belts
Circulation
theV7networkofroadsonamodulargrid
ironpattern

4.5 PLANNING CONCEPTS

Green city concept

Planned as a Green City with abundance of open spaces, Chandigarh ensuresthatevery dwelling
hasitadequate shareofthreeelementsof Sun, Space and Verdure. Location of green belt was in north sout
south
directiontolinkallsectorswiththeShivalikrangeofhills/mountains.
ConceptofV7s

A well-defined
defined hierarchy of Circulation based on Le Corbusiers V7s road
road-system
system designed to lead traffic
into the city and to distribute it right up till the dwelling unit. Marg refers to the important avenues (V2),
whilePathswerereferredtolessimportant
whilePathswerereferredtolessimportantstreets (V3).
Low-risedevelopment

Plannedasalow-rise
rise city,ithasdevelopedonthestatedprinciplesand, evenaftersixty years ofitsinception,itstill
retainstheoriginal concept toalargeextent.
Hierarchicaldistributionofpopulation

Hierarchical distribution of population

ulation with the density is the lowest in the northern sectors and gradually
increasing towards the southern sectors.
Purelanduseplanning

While detailing out the landuse distribution, the underlined principle adopted in the Master Plan was to
allocate different
fferent areas for living, working, trade and commerce, industry etc. Accordingly, the sectors were
designatedforresidential,commercial andindustrial,institutional uses.

4.6 Salient features of the master plan

Sector size - 800m x 1200 m determined by maximum 10

minute walking distance from facilities
Introvert planning withsealing wallsalong main roads so
as not to be disturbed by the fast vehiculartrafficoutside
Emphasisonfamily lifeandcommunity living Schools along
green belts safe for children, dispensaries, shopping,
community centres, centrally located in 10 minutes walk
and bus stopsonmainroadwith
stopsonmainroadwithinwalkingdistance.
Parkswithin300m
Meandering
profileoftheV4/V5
toenable
slow
carriageways
Comfortable vehicular and pedestrian access
righttothedoorstepofthehouse
edoorstepofthehouse
Inter
Inter-sect
oral
connectivityalongNSgreenbelts

11. OPEN SPACES AND LANDSCAPE OF CHANDIGARH

11.1 Introduction

After 60 years of its inception, it stands out for its high quality of life and clean, relatively pollution free
environment, unlike other growing urban areas in the country. Its citizens enjoy a direct relationship of the
built-form with nature, and have abundant access to green spaces all over the city. Thus Chandigarh has
been endowed with a great legacy of landscaping and greenery.

The conservation of the green heritage in future is a major concern with regards to the rapid development
of the city in the last few decades.
OPEN SPACES TO BE DECLARED AS INVIOLABLE LANDUSE
11.2 Hierarchy of Open Spaces
The Urban Development (UDPFI) norms for open spaces recommend that the overall quantum of town
level /city level parks should range between 10 sq. meter to 12 sq. meter per person, which would
include parks, play fields ,specified parks, amusement parks, maidans, multi-purpose open spaces,
botanical garden, geological park and traffic park etc
The zoning plans of group housing mandates 15% percentage of community open spaces within
campuses to maintain closeness with nature and for outdoor activities.

Memory park
In order to safeguard Le Corbusiers concept of green parkland on the north of the Uttar Marg, the area
between the High Court and the Sukhna Lake, the Memory Park was created.
Butterfly park
A befitting example of biodiversity from which students and teachers alike Could learn
highly stimulating lessons to cultivate love for Mother Nature. It should be conserved in its original form
and maintained with care warranted by a Heritage site.

11.3 Major Open Spaces in the city

Rose Garden.
The Rose Garden is the
he largest of its kind in Asia and is spread overan area of 27 acres. Built as a part of
the green belt, the garden has a large variety of roses and a fountain to relax the soul. This park has
been recommended for the Heritage status and further interventi
interventions
ons should be made strictly as per
heritage regulations and approval of the Chandigarh Heritage.
Rajendra park.
The
he Rajendra Park adjacent to the Secretariat building is designed by Le Corbusier himself as part of the
Capitol complex. This park has been recommended for the Heritage status.

Sukhna lake.
Located on the North Eastern part of the city, the Sukhna Lake forms part of the Capitol Park designed
by Le Corbusier and was a gift to Chandigarh citizens for peace and tranquility. The area was declared
as a Silence Zone. It is a major recreation zone of the city and offers water sports, pedestrian
promenades
es and various other sports activities.
Tourist information centre at sukhna lake

Garden of silence at sukhna lake

Rock Garden.
The layout of the garden is based on the fantasy of the lost kingdom. Rock Garden,
Garden by its organic forms
and non-geometric
geometric layout, offers an apt counterpoint to Chandigarhs stylized architecture and has
also been recommended for heritage status.

Lake Sector 42.

Spread over three acres, the Sector 42 lake falls within the green belt adjoining
adjoinin the Beant Singh
Memorial .The lake is fed by two tube
tube-wells.

The Leisure Valley.

The Leisure Valley is a continuous 8 km parkland with various theme gardens, extending from
the
northeastern tip of the city to its south-western tip, and further extending to Mohali in the Punjab region.
It also provides a unique opportunity for a possible pedestrian link to the Capitol Complex of the city
from its south-eastern end.

11.4 Tree plantation Heritage and city.

Accordingly, Le Corbusier had prepared very detailed road sections for a systematic, functional and
aesthetic tree plantation with environment value along various types of roads and in the different
hierarchy of open spaces existing in the city.
All decisions, pertaining to the nature and type of tree plantation to be undertaken along all roads and
open spaces were taken by the Landscape Advisory Committee in consonance with the concepts and
visions of the planners of the city.
Preserve the Tree Heritage of the City In order to preserve and enhance the great tree heritage of the
city, systematic plantation in the remaining open spaces roads and avenues or for undertaking
substitute tree plantation of the old and dying species should be undertaken with the same analytical
and systematic methodology, as earlier times.

11.5 Diverse green spaces in Chandigarh green belts along main avenues.
Maintenance of the road side berms and green spaces shall be institutionalized, since the unkempt look
presents a poor image of the city while travelling along the important avenues of the city. Street
furniture, signage , light fixtures and fitting shall be comprehensively planned in keeping with the
character of the city in view of the Heritage status being accorded to the V2/ V3 and V4 roads.

City residents have a strong affinity with the citys beautifully landscaped roundabouts and have
opposed removal of the same on occasions when replacing roundabouts with the ATC lights was
considered to ease out traffic congestion at the intersections.
11.6 Recommendations of the Expert Heritage Committee on Open Spaces / Green Areas.
Open Spaces, in terms of the original concept of the Green City, are the Soul of Chandigarh, and must
never be stifled by thoughtless additions of buildings in the future. The three planning postulates of Sun,
Space, and Verdure should always remain our directive principle. Verdure or Greenery is where Space is
and Space comes alive only when it is bathed in Sun!

11.7 Pressures on Green Heritage of Chandigarh

Besides the citys rapid natural growth over the years, the tremendous urbanization on its periphery
falling in the states of Punjab and Haryana poses a huge pressure on its environment and even
ecological sustainability in the coming years. Another very big environmental pressure is the
phenomenal growth of vehicles plying within the city.

11.8 Problem faced by open spaces in Chandigarh

Building byelaws, zoning regulations and boundary walls stipulations should be synchronized and
effectively implemented to ensure that encroachment by way of unauthorized projections, courtyards,
opening of doors, putting up fencing etc. do not blemish the quality and nature of open spaces .

Poor Maintenance of available open space.

11.9 Maintaining the man-cosmos relationship ensuring uninterrupted views and vistas
The site of the city of Chandigarh has many natural features which make them suitable for conservation
on account of their environmentally significant nature and scenic beauty besides their geographical
history.
The thrust in the coming years would be on increasing its green cover and also to enhance the density
and hardiness of the tree-canopies and their foliage content. This will ensure a greater ecological
stability and sustainability amidst the sea of built-forms and building blocks all around.

Enhancing the qualitative

and quantitative green of

the city.

Tourist information centre.