Chandigarh Administration has planned some new and innovative initiatives for improving tourism facilities in the city. On the recommendation of Tourism Department, Adviser to the Administrator UT, Pradip Mehra has approved the various initiatives focused on highlighting Chandigarh as a tourist destination.
Setting up of Open Air Cafes, installing hanging baskets, locating of Kiosks to facilitate residents and visitors and aesthetically designed tourism signages are amongst the initiatives proposed.
Signages at various levels would be improved on modern international lines instead of conventional and could also be outsourced.Open Air Cafes would be aesthetically set up, as such cafes are popular world wide and could be used in winters in afternoons and during summers in evening. They would also add to the beauty of the City Beautiful.
A new experiment has already been tried to adorn street light poles with hanging baskets as an added feature. It is proposed to ask the Horticulture Department to take action accordingly.
Director Museum has been requested to incorporate displays of the exhibition on Brasilia and Le-Havre being held in Chandigarh Museum in the Museum Display. Small Kiosks with magazines, newspapers/maps and information guides could be set in various locations in the city to facilitate residents and visitors.
Portable Toilets would be displayed at suitable locations by Municipal Corporation. A Battery operated toy train for young and old alike would be operated for visitors in the Sector 17 Plaza for adding attraction for visitors and residents alike.
Electronic Display Boards would be set up in the city with LCD and modern displays with the help of MC. Certain important locations in the city from the tourism point of view would have signage boards which would be aesthetically designed with information relating to the particular site for the visitors.
Open Air Cafes For City
Is Chandigarh Losing Its Character?
An eye-opener PowerPoint presentation by Madhu Sarin who is an eminent architect and development planner and has written a book on Chandigarh planning, brought out some startling facts about the city.
This not only surprised the Chandigarh Administration officials attending the conference but also other participants including the organizer UNESCO, which plays a key role in according heritage status to any city in the world. The “International Conference Le Havre: Brasilia – Chandigarh – Le Havre – Tel Aviv” was held on September 13 and 14 at French City Le Havre.
Madhu Sarin in her 39-slide presentation, including some pictures spoke on, “Chandigarh: Challenges of maintaining the less tangible heritage”. She surprised the UNESCO representatives by bringing out the anti-farmer activities of the administration like ‘forcible’ land acquisition.
In her presentation, Sarin started with objectives of founding the city which included, rehouse the state government, rehabilitate the displaced persons and provide strong foundations for architecture and planning suitable for a poor, newly independent and democratic nation.
Stating that the first two objectives had been achieved, the third objective included the less tangible commitment to social justice and equality, she added.
Sarin in her presentation questioned if Chandigarh’s disadvantaged receive the promised dignity of life?, How did Chandigarh treat the villagers whose land it took, and continues to take for its march into the 21st century?, What balance between maintenance of old and new heritage? And What space created for democratic decision making and governance?
Several challenges of balancing enhancement of old and new heritage were also listed out in the presentation. The growing slums and encroachments in city have also been brought out with pictures saying, “Those forgotten and left out”, adding that the city planned for 500,000 population was today over one million with highest number of per capita vehicles.
“Chandigarh today has two major faces – ‘planned’ and ‘non-planned’ it says comparing the posh city areas with those where encroachments go unchecked. “The non-planned face is the unwanted and hidden face, pushed outside the master plan area”, it says.
Comparing planned housing, Sarin also expressed her concern over no provision for the squatters, and skewed distribution of the population within the plan and concentration of the poor outside it. She also stated in her presentation that there was no systematic policy to increase supply of affordable housing for the city’s low income citizens.
The presentation says there is no consideration of family size, no space for self-employment and CHB has started charging market value with no cross subsidy.
Bringing out the new projects in the periphery, Sarin had stated there is no publicly discussed master plan for periphery, farmers are agitating against compulsory land acquisition and no planning for low income population. Slides also brought out the protests by the farmers against land acquisition, and poor state of villages.
Four urban sites Brasilia, Chandigarh, Le Havre and Tel Aviv, considered symbolic cities of the 20th century had come together at the conference. While Chandigarh happens to be on the tentative list, the other three cities are already on the UNESCO list of heritage cities.
Director Tourism, Vivek Atray and Prof Kiran Joshi who were participating in the conference on behalf of the Chandigarh
Administration had met UNESC0 officials to finalise the dossier, to be submitted to the World Heritage Center by October, for the list of heritage sites.
IT Park To Get EDC By 2008
Chandigarh Administration has finalised the modalities for the Entrepreneurs Development Centre (EDC) at Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP), which would be developed as an incubation centre for the IT Companies.
While the building is under construction, estimated time of completion is till December 2008 but it is expected to be finished early.
"Along with the building it has been the endeavor to create an eco system for nurturing and promoting entreprenuership", said Manjit Brar, UT IT Director while talking to Hindustan Times. He added as a part of this objective- one full day of e-Revolution was dedicated so as to help the would-be entrepreneurs hear the success stories of the successful entrepreneurs.
As a part of this vision, the administration would also be promoting Student Entrepreneurship in academic institutions. The EDC would aim to educate, train, and nurture the young professionals in setting up their entrepreneurship by providing shell space or space with plug n play facilities in a state of the art environment friendly and an intelligent building.
It would also facilitate the interaction amongst the stakeholders at various levels through seminars, informal discussions, business plan competitions etc and UT has decided to establish a Resource Centre within the EDC which would be a comprehensive information centre for aspiring entrepreneurs. There are also plans to promote Research & Development in the field of Software technology, apart from providing other high value added services to IT companies in RGCTP.
To give a broader perspective for achieving the objectives of the EDC, the administration has decided to set up a Board of Mentors which could meet twice a year. The Board of Mentors would provide the requisite direction to the EDC in achieving its objectives. SPIC should be made in charge of running the EDC and the same would be done by the Executive Committee of SPIC.
In addition to the existing members of Executive Committee 2 members can be co-opted from the Board of Mentors for running the EDC and this small body can be named as EDC Coordination Council
The rent of the space would be nominal, however, to have a perpetual flow of funds for the EDC, some percentage of equity would be provided by the entrepreneur to the EDC with an exit route, so that as and when the entrepreneur grows and wants to scale into an independent building, he will have the option to buy back the equity at the Net Asset Value as on the date of his exit from the EDC. The mode of exit could be postponed to a future date also and till then the equity would vest in the name of EDC/SPIC.
What else can you look for at the EDC?
Library having all types of books relating to entrepreneurship relating to all issues, Business Plan Handbooks, Encyclopedias, Updated Reference material, Journals/Magazines from all leading international publishers.
Personal computers with high-speed Internet access along with allied hardware like printers, copier, scanners etc for the use of members.
Entrepreneur Magazine's Start-up Guides by Industry, covering everything from software consulting firms, e-business, and import/export, to landscaping, and coin-operated vending and staffing services.
A suite of software applications for small businesses, along with some free samples.
New Look For Chandigarh Bus Stands
Chandigarh Administration has decided to shift the Sector 17 ISBT to Sector 43 from January 1, 2008. With effect from the said date, all long route buses will operate from Sector 43 and the Sector 17 bus stand would only be used for local and suburban buses. Chandigarh Administration has also framed an action plan for the up gradation and renovation of infrastructure at ISBT 17 and ISBT 43 in the city.
Meeting chaired by UT Home Secretary, Krishna Mohan finalized the plan as per which overall face lift of the two ISBTs and provision of best available passenger's facilities in the country would be made. SSP Chandigarh, Joint Secretary Home, Director Public Relations, SSP Traffic, Director Transport, Controller Weight and Measures, Superintendent Engineer (B&R), Medical Officer of Health, Municipal Corporation attended the meeting.
AC waiting room for passengers would be constructed. Entry into AC waiting room will be on payment basis. Cloak room would be expanded to accommodate more luggages.
Sanitation policy and commercial policy has been changed to bring the ISBTs at par with the highest standards. Modern concepts of sanitation presently being applied to at the airports, Five Stars Hotels and IT Sector would be implemented in the city's ISBTs. Sanitation of toilets and housekeeping for the ISBTs would be segregated and would be done by professionally highly rated and financially strong housekeeping agency for a period of two years.
A change in the commercial policy has been planned according to which commercial units would be licensed through tender for 6 years with 10 per cent annual increase in the license fee. Renowned brands of eateries, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, fruit juice shops, bakery, STD PCO, ATMs, bookshops, general Stores etc would be roped in. Shops would be renovated in such a way that enough space is created for attracting prominent brands.
Private security personnel's would be engaged and a control room with CCTV cameras and public address system would be established at the ISBT, Sector 17, which would be jointly manned by the personnel of Chandigarh Police and internal security personnel 24 hours.
An emergency medical unit would be established at the Bus stand premises. Drinking water points would be designed to minimize the misuse of drinking water. Guide maps and passenger information boards would be installed at the main entrance and other prominent places at the ISBT for the convenience of the passengers.
The maintenance procedure by the Engineering Department would be streamlined by deploying personnel's permanently in order to tackle any emergency situation.
An awareness drive would be launched to motivate the public for keeping the ISBT clean. CTU Inspectors would be vested with power to impose penalties on the people found smoking, spitting, littering, dirtying the premises in any manner. The procedure of finalizing the overcharging by the vendors would also be streamlined.
Solar cars, battery run vehicles…it's all coming at Energy Park
Sealed tenders in two bid system have been invited from experienced, competent & resourceful firms/contractors who have experience in setting up State Level Energy Parks. The scope of work with an estimated cost of Rs.87 lakh involves design, fabrication, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and operation of different solar power run exhibits including civil, mechanical and electrical works.
Tenders have been invited for setting up State Level Energy Park involving design, manufacture, fabrication, supply, installation, testing, commissioning, operation & maintenance of different solar power run exhibits, working models, Solar PV Power Plant, streetlights, cooker, battery operated three wheelers, bicycle, cars, biogas plant, wind mill.
It will also include display based on energy and environment & associated accessories including related civil, electrical and mechanical work cum repairs required in existing infrastructure due to installation at Chandigarh Botanical Park, village Sarangpur. Four solar cars are to be supplied by the bidder. Solar car will run on a pathway generally flat. A pathway shall be constructed for operating of cars. The size of pathway shall not be less than 3 metre wide and 400 metre long or as per site conditions. The pathway shall be constructed for smooth running of cars. Less height boundary should be constructed on the outer side of pathway to prevent the toy cars moving out of the pathway.
Four solar cars are to be supplied by the bidder. Solar car will run on a pathway generally flat. A pathway shall be constructed for operating of cars. The size of pathway shall not be less than 3 metre wide and 400 metre long or as per site conditions. The pathway shall be constructed for smooth running of cars. Less height boundary should be constructed on the outer side of pathway to prevent the toy cars moving out of the pathway.
The pathway drawing & details shall be submitted to Director Science and Technology, Chandigarh Administration for approval before execution of work. A molded canopy would have to be provided to park all the cars at one corner of the pathway with a small boundary (may be wall/mesh/Handrail) and an entry gate as well as to regulate the public.
As per administration proposal computer based energy games, quiz & macho shall be supplied and installed in the exhibition hall in one corner. The computer based energy games, quiz & macho is an interactive audio-visual exhibit designed to impart information related to Energy. Visitor can participate on insertion of a 5-rupee coin. The exhibits shall turn on immediately after insertion of coin.
Chandigarh Slum rehab raises concern with MHA panel
As per the panel report the administration has informed that some of the people, who were given ownership, have sold their tenements and houses and again encroached upon the government land.
The Committee has appreciated the programme of U.T Administration of Chandigarh to rehabilitate the slum dwellers by constructing dwelling units and giving them on rent for Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 per month.
However the committee has further stated that even though the UT Finance Secretary has stated that the rent is a very reasonable amount which they will be paying and that their monthly income is around Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4000 per month, the committee is apprehensive about the capacity of the slum dwellers to pay Rs. 1,000 per month as rent.
The Committee, therefore, has felt that this aspect may be taken care of. The Committee has also desired that the construction of units may be started and completed at the earliest so that shifting of slum dwellers may also be done as early as possible. The target of three years for completing the construction may strictly be adhered to.
In regard to Technology Park started in Chandigarh, the Committee has recommended that all efforts may be made to ensure that the Technology Park is completed in all respects at the earliest.
As per the UT status report to the committee most of the schools have shifted from the existing residential area to new sites. Some of the sites are under construction and also stated that second shift has been introduced in schools to accommodate greater number of students.
In regard to closure of schools in the residential areas of Chandigarh, the committee has felt that the issue has become very sensitive in view of the fact that it is likely to affect the future of many students.
Even though the administration has informed the Committee that the second shift has been started in some of the schools to accommodate the students from the closed schools, all the students will not get admission in such second shifts.
The Committee, therefore, has recommended that the Chandigarh Administration should not allow this to happen and ensure that every student from all such closed schools may be immediately provided admission in the existing schools by opening second shift and/or increasing the class strength whichever is necessary.
The Chandigarh Administration should also impress upon the managements of the closed schools to start their schools in the new campuses as early as possible, the committee has said, adding, the Chandigarh Administration may regularly monitor the situation and find a lasting solution to this problem.
Manimajra Fort To Be A Tourist Attraction
Chandigarh Administration has finalised the plan to promote Manimajra Fort as a major Tourist attraction of Chandigarh in a time bound manner. The decision was taken in a meeting held under the Chairmanship of UT Home Secretary, Krishna Mohan.
The improvement of the fort would be done into two phases. In the first phase the green space adjacent to the fort and entry points of it would be beautified by Municipal Corporation and CITCO would set up a tourism café. In the second phase, the wholesome development of the Manimajra Fort would be under taken.
A committee has been constituted consisting of Director Tourism, Joint Commissioner MC and ALR for working out the terms and conditions for the memorandum of understanding, which would be signed with the Maha Raval Kheva Ji Trust, Manimajra.
Maharani Deepinder Kaur, representative of the Maha Raval Kheva Ji Trust , Commissioner MC, Chief Engineer UT and Director Tourism were present in the meeting. A final decision in the matter will be taken after consent is received from the Trust.
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