local Planning Area (lPA) Mullanpur is now ‘New Chandigarh’. Situated in the vicinity of le Corbusier’s City Beautiful — Chandigarh — in the State of Punjab, is all set to be develop as a world-class planned city on modern lines.
Approval in this respect has been given by the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday during the 26th meeting of the Punjab Regional & Town Planning and Development Board to
rename Mullanpur as ‘New Chandigarh’. Besides, he has also asked the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to develop it as a world class planned city on modern lines.
Badal, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal who also holds the portfolio of Housing and Urban Development, said that Mullanpur township should be developed as model city equipped with the infrastructure and the ultra modern facilities of international standards.
“Sincere efforts should be made to develop this township on the pattern similar to that of Chandigarh so that it could emerge as a major tourist and investment destination in the country,” said Badal asking the officers to ensure that city’s planning be done meticulously after thorough and diligent study so that it was completed in a time-bound and effective manner.
Badal also gave nod to constitute a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Advisor Health and Medical Education Dr KK Talwar comprising Secretary Health, Secretary Housing and Development and representatives of GMADA and Punjab Infrastructure Development Board (PIDB) to chalk out a comprehensive plan for the development of Medicity in Mullanpur.
Already, a state-of-the-art cancer institute, on the pattern of Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, is coming up at Medicity over an area of 50 acre.
Badal also gave nod for constituting a similar committee of education experts for evolving a time-bound action plan to develop Educity over an area of 1,700 acre.
“Top players from across the country should be roped in for developing the Medicity and Educity so that the state could emerge as a hub of the health and education,” said Sukhbir.
Expressing concern over chaotic situation due to haphazard growth of cities because of building violations by the builders, Sukhbir asked the local Government department to adhere to the prescribed norms and bye-laws.
Chief Minister categorically stated that Mohali would be soon emerge as the financial capital of the State.
He also gave green signal for the construction of Amphitheater having seating capacity of 3,000 persons in the Sector 62 Nature Park spread over 50 acres where theatre performance and drama shows would be held besides conducting cultural programs, live stage performances and concerts.
Badal also approved the norms for the petrol pump sites along with 10 per cent area reserved for shopping complexes to be allotted by the state-owned oil companies.
He also gave go ahead for the allotment of the sites for opening Verka booths in different sectors. He also cleared the proposal for allotting a site for temple (mandir) in Sector 68, Mohali.
Chief Minister also directed the cultural Affairs department to hold laser shows regularly on the life and philosophy of great warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at his memorial at Chappar Chiri to acquaint our youth with our rich legacy and glorious cultural heritage.
Badal also cleared the proposal to set up Mohali Down Town in Sector 62 over an area of 80 acres to offer the world-class infrastructure with parking space and modern facilities of entertainment and refreshment.