The UT Administration will develop an overall security plan to ensure security at Chandigarh’s architectural heritage — Capitol Complex in Sector 1 here.
During the third meeting of Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC) held on Thursday, it was decided that holistic security plan with modern technology and concepts need to be evolved for the entire Capitol Complex to maintain the sanctity of the original complex rather than fragmenting the edifices in Complex separately.
The Capitol Complex has been placed under Grade I of heritage status by Administration in an attempt to preserve these heritage structures. The Complex is an administrative hub of two States namely Punjab and Haryana and has buildings of Punjab and Haryana High Court, Haryana and Punjab Secretariat and Assembly, open hand monument and other significant buildings.
During the meeting, the UT IGP made a presentation on the provision of overall security measures required at Punjab and Haryana High Court. After detailed discussion, it was also decided that short term measures can be taken up to augment the security.
A senior official of the UT Administration said that the Committee has also given its nod for making internal changes in the MlA flats in Sector 3 here.
The issue of construction of temporary accommodation for the security personnel of Haryana Government behind Civil Secretariat Building, Sector-1 was also taken up during the meeting.
The CHCC also took strong note of the construction that had come up along the Uttar Marg falling within the heritage zone I. The proposal presented by the ADGP (CID) Haryana to build pre-fab structures by lowering the natural ground level and creating green area towards the Uttar Marg and the Secretariat building to subdue the effect of the built mass was considered and suggestions given to improve the overall ambience and to minimize the impact on the Capitol Parc which has been accorded heritage grade I status.
The revised design will be presented in the next meeting of the Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee scheduled to be held shortly, said the official.
The proposal to construct another hostel at Government College for Girls, Sector-11 was also approved at the meeting. The committee was apprised that since long, there has been a substantial expansion in terms of subjects being offered in the College and also in terms of number of seats available. However, there has not been an addition in the accommodation facilities.
“The plan presented by the Urban Planning Department accommodating 417 students was approved by the Committee with a cost of `16.79 crores. The plan has been sensitively integrated within the complex and maintains the concept of large central courtyard and the latest supporting amenities required,” informed the senior official.
The Committee was constituted on the directions of Ministry of Home Affairs, for preparing detailed project reports of important heritage buildings in the city, besides ensuring their proper conservation as well as maintenance. The committee has also been constituted to supervise the architectural preservation plans in the city.