IIT Roorkee begins survey for Chandigarh Capitol Complex plans

Technical experts from the civil engineering and architecture departments of IIT Roorkee have begun a ground survey at Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex to prepare site and buffer management plans for the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The plans will guide future development in the Capitol Complex and its buffer zone in line with UNESCO guidelines and heritage norms. They will cover structural documentation, condition assessment and restoration, reported The Times of India.

The two plans will be submitted to UNESCO for consideration and final approval. Any development within the Capitol Complex and its buffer zone will require UNESCO’s consent.

The UT administration has approved Rs 2.5 crore for the buffer management plan and Rs 1.5 crore for the site management plan. IIT Roorkee will prepare both plans according to a framework approved by the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC).

“The private consultant has prepared a detailed framework on preparation of both plans and the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC) has approved it. IIT Roorkee experts will have to follow that framework while preparing the plans,” a senior UT official told The Times of India.

The Chandigarh administration engaged IIT Roorkee last month and has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is monitoring the exercise.

261 hectares covered

The Capitol Complex covers around 66 hectares, while its identified buffer zone extends across approximately 195 hectares.

Together, the two plans will cover about 261 hectares, including parts of sectors 2, 3, 4 and 5.