Facing opposition, UT set to alter route of green corridor

Halted nearly four months ago, the work on the green corridor along the N-Choe is likely to resume in the coming days.

The UT Administration had stopped the construction work for the corridor running through Leisure Valley in December last year after strong opposition from the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) of Sector 10. The RWA had submitted a complaint against the project with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), alleging that it went against the spirit and purpose of Leisure Valley.

Looking to resume the project, the UT Engineering Department has asked the Urban Planning Department to prepare a fresh route plan for construction of the corridor in accordance with the Chandigarh Master Plan.

A senior official said the green corridor was mentioned in the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031. The corridor has to be constructed along the N-Choe, but its exact location was not disclosed, due to which the planning department has now been asked to find an appropriate place. The official added that the work on it could be started again after a reply was received from the planning department.

The first 8-km-long green corridor, which aims to connect the Capitol Complex in Sector 1 with Sector 56, has to be developed along the N-Choe, stretching from the northern to the southern parts of the city.

The project is designed to promote environment-friendly modes of transport and is projected to cost around Rs 5 crore.

The work on the project began in June 2023 and was suspended in September 2023 on the intervention of the then Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit. The suspension came after residents lodged a complaint with the PMO, alleging green trees would be axed for the construction of the corridor.

The Administration briefly resumed the work on the project in November last year after giving an assurance that no tree would be felled and that the tracks will gel with the surroundings, as it would promote non-motorised transport, which would help people move away from fossil fuel-based vehicles.

Project Blueprint

The UT has planned 11 green corridors for the movement of cyclists. The work on the first corridor began in 2023. The 8-km corridor will connect the Capitol Complex to Sector 56, running along the N-Choe.

The green corridor is described as a crucial step towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the quality of life for residents. With dedicated pathways for bicycles and pedestrians, the corridor aims to make urban spaces safer and more accessible.

Chandigarh