Dharam Pal (IAS), adviser to the administrator of Chandigarh, launched the placemaking implementation to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav at New Park, Indra Colony, Sector 13, Manimajra, Chandigarh in the presence of Ravi Kant Sharma, the Mayor of Chandigarh, on September 28.
While Pal was the chief guest, Nitin Kumar Yadav (IAS), Home Secretary and Dr Vijay Namdeorao Zade (IAS), Finance Secretary of Chandigarh were guests of honour during the programme. Parveer Ranjan (IPS), the DGP of Chandigarh, Mandeep Singh Brar (IAS), the deputy commissioner, Anindita Mitra, MCC’s commissioner, Arun Sood, BJP’s state president in Chandigarh, Mahesh Inder Singh Siddhu, the senior deputy mayor, Vinod Aggarwal, the area councillor and other senior officers of MCC were also present during the occasion.
While addressing the gathering, Pal said that the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements. He said that the occasion is an embodiment of all that is progressive about India’s socio-cultural, political and economic identity. The official journey of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ commenced on March 12, 2021 and is a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of Independence ending on August 14, 2023.
He further said that Chandigarh is celebrating the occasion from September 28 to October 3, 2021 with various activities throughout the city. Under placemaking implementation where 22 cities of the country are participating to transform their underdeveloped areas, Chandigarh has envisaged to develop the New Park in Sector-13, Manimajra through continuous work spread over 75 hours, he added.
Ravi Kant Sharma, Chandigarh’s Mayor said that he is proud to start the transformation of city spaces in Sector-13 Manimajra including placemaking of the new park. “Efforts are on to put together a light, quick and cheap intervention and anchor with events that educate and celebrate the spirit of freedom. Placemaking exercise is being undertaken as a multi-faceted approach to planning, design and management of public spaces,” said the Mayor.
While sharing the developments to take place during the placemaking event, he elaborated that this new park in Pocket 8, Indira Colony will be an asset, and its potential will be realised with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness and wellbeing. It will inspire people to reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community, strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. The park will be divided into various zones, like the art zone, fitness zone, elders zone and kids zone.
He further stated that various activities like yoga sessions, interactive games for children, live painting competition, kabaddi and tug of war, among others have been organised today and scheduled for the next two days for public engagement on the site. Apart from this, a dedicated toilet block for the facilitation of the users of the park is under construction and will be handed over to the public on September 30.
He also said that a corner has been developed with an herbal garden wherein various types of herbal plants are being planted which can be used by the local residents. The park has been revamped with newly painted gazebos, grills and pathways. The park has been dedicated to the citizens with a newly installed open gym, gymnastic/exercising equipment and various types of swings for children. He said that with these interventions, we foresee inspiration for the transformation of other such underdeveloped spaces in Chandigarh and make them sustainable.