UT Admn calls for joint efforts to maintain Capitol Complex

Ramkrishan Upadhyay 

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 17

Stressing the need for joint efforts in maintaining the buildings at the Capitol Complex, the Chandigarh Administration has sought the help of the Punjab and Haryana governments.

Sources said Parimal Rai, Adviser to the UT Administrator, has raised the issue in a letter written to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and the Haryana recently.

In the letter, the Adviser has informed in detail the steps administration is taking to conserve the buildings of the Capitol Complex after it was declared as the world heritage site by UNESCO.

The Adviser said the Administration had selected renowned heritage architect Abha Narian Lambah to prepare a conservation and management plan for the Capitol Complex. Plans are being prepared as per the guidelines laid down by UNESCO for the maintenance of the world heritage site.

“She has started the work to restore the original look, as designed by world famous architect Le Corbusier, to all buildings of the Capitol Complex comprising Punjab and Haryana secretariats and the High Court. This will not be possible without the active support of the stakeholders concerned,” said the Adviser.

He said the consultant had already met the Punjab Chief Minister who assured her of all necessary help. She also took up the issue with the Haryana Government to seek its assistance.

The Adviser requested both governments to extend their help to the consultant to carry out the project.

Sources said the consultant had recently conducted the condition assessment report on the ground realities of the area, which found large scale intervention with the original plan.

The report found loose wires, AC ducts, temporary structures, porch and large scale violations in the secretariat buildings. As per the guidelines, encroachment will have to be removed from the buildings to give them the original look.