CHANDIGARH, VISIT THE FIRST PLANNED CITY OF INDIA

Chandigarh is a meticulously planned union territory nestled in the northern reaches of India. Serving as the joint capital for the neighbouring states of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity and urban design prowess.

Designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, with contributions from other esteemed architects, Chandigarh is celebrated internationally for its innovative layout and aesthetic appeal. 

Situated against the picturesque backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, approximately 260 kilometres north of New Delhi, Chandigarh has evolved into a bustling metropolis, driving the growth of adjacent cities like Mohali and Panchkula.

Boasting one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation and ranking among the happiest cities in India, Chandigarh blends monumental architecture, cultural vibrancy, and modernisation seamlessly. 

Join us as we delve into the enchanting story of Chandigarh, a city that embodies the perfect fusion of tradition and progress.

Chandigarh's Historical Journey

Chandigarh, a city with a name honouring the Hindu goddess Chandi and the concept of fortresses, embodies a rich cultural heritage.

Its epithet, "The City of Beauty," reflects its adherence to the City Beautiful movement. Conceived post-Partition in 1947, it was envisioned by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru as a modern capital for Punjab. 

Designed by Albert Mayer and later Le Corbusier, Chandigarh's layout emphasises green spaces and monumental structures. Its official inauguration in 1953 marked a significant milestone in India's urban development.

Today, Chandigarh stands as a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern aspirations, serving as a shared capital for Punjab and Haryana.

Chandigarh's Diverse Landscape and Climate

Chandigarh, nestled at the foothills of the Shivalik Range in northwest India, occupies an area of approximately 114 square kilometres. It shares borders with the states of Punjab and Haryana and boasts an average elevation of 321 meters.

The city's geography comprises flat, fertile land, encompassing sections of Bhabar in the northeast and the Terai elsewhere. 

Chandigarh is strategically positioned, lying 44 kilometres north of Ambala, 229 kilometres southeast of Amritsar, and 250 kilometres north of Delhi. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate characterised by scorching summers, mild winters, and erratic rainfall. The average annual precipitation stands at 1,110.7 millimetres. 

Chandigarh transitions through distinctive seasons, with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 43°C in summer to a minimum of -1°C in winter. Its landscape is adorned with dense banyan and eucalyptus plantations, providing habitats for diverse wildlife species like deer, sambars, parrots, and peacocks.

Notable attractions include the picturesque Sukhna Lake, the innovative Rock Garden, and the serene Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, making Chandigarh a haven of natural beauty and biodiversity.

Demographic Snapshot of Chandigarh

Chandigarh, with a population of 1,055,450 as of 2011, exhibits a high literacy rate of 86.77%. The city has seen a decline in population growth due to urbanisation in neighbouring areas. Hindi is the most spoken language (67.76%), followed by Punjabi (22.02%).

Hinduism is the predominant religion (80.71%), followed by Sikhism (13.11%) and Islam (4.87%). Notable places of worship include Hindu temples like Mata Basanti Devi Mandir and Sikh Gurudwaras like Nada Sahib Gurudwara. The city also serves a vibrant Christian community through the Diocese of Simla and Chandigarh.

Health Statistics

In 2020, Chandigarh's health profile for children under the age of 5 years revealed concerning statistics. Among them, 25% were stunted, indicating impaired growth; 8% were wasted, suffering from acute malnutrition; and 21% were underweight.

The prevalence of anaemia was notably high, affecting 55% of children. However, there was a slight improvement in some areas compared to the 2016 figures. Conversely, 2% of children were categorised as overweight or obese, marking a concerning trend. 

The health outlook for women aged 15 to 49 showed a mix of challenges and improvements. While 13% were underweight, indicating potential nutrition deficits, a significant 44% were classified as overweight or obese, highlighting lifestyle-related concerns.

Moreover, hypertension affected 25% of women, showcasing a substantial increase compared to previous years. Anaemia remained prevalent, affecting 60% of non-pregnant women. These insights underscore the importance of comprehensive health interventions to address various health issues prevalent in Chandigarh's population.

Governance and Politics

Chandigarh's governance follows the constitutional provision of Article 239, with an administrator appointed by the President. Banwarilal Purohit currently serves in this role. Though not entitled to state-level elections, Chandigarh has one seat in the Lok Sabha, currently held by Kirron Kher of the BJP. 

The city's local government, led by Municipal Commissioner Anindita Mitra and Mayor Sarbjit Kaur, manages civic affairs, with 35 elected and 9 nominated councillors. Recent decisions, like transitioning Chandigarh employees to central civil services rules, have stirred political debate.

The Municipal Corporation oversees key responsibilities such as sanitation and park maintenance, but challenges like parking shortages and cleanliness issues persist despite Chandigarh's past reputation as one of India's cleanest cities.

Chandigarh's Vibrant Economy

Chandigarh, known as one of India's wealthiest towns, boasts a thriving economy with a monthly household income averaging ₹199,000 (US$2,500). Its gross state domestic product for 2014–15 stood at 290 billion (US$4.3 billion), reflecting its economic prowess.

Chandigarh is recognised globally as an emerging outsourcing and IT services destination, attracting major firms like Quark and Infosys. 

The city's employment landscape is dominated by government sectors, making it a preferred destination for retirees. Additionally, Chandigarh's diverse industrial sector, including paper manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, contributes significantly to its economic growth.

Initiatives like the proposed film city in Sarangpur aim to further bolster employment opportunities, ensuring a promising future for the city's workforce.

Cultural Festivities in Chandigarh

Chandigarh's cultural calendar is brimming with vibrant festivals celebrated throughout the year. During the festival of Navratri, typically in September or October, the city comes alive with Ramlila events organised by various associations and organisations, a tradition spanning over five decades. 

In February, the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden hosts the Rose Festival, showcasing thousands of rose subspecies, a visual treat for visitors. The monsoon season brings the Mango Festival, offering a delightful array of mango varieties, while Sukhna Lake becomes the backdrop for various other festivities. 

Additionally, Chandigarh reverberates with the jubilant spirit of Punjabi historic festivals like Lohri, Basant, and Vaisakhi, celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm across the city, adding to its cultural richness.

Transport Network

Chandigarh's transportation system is efficiently managed by the Unified Transport Metropolitan Authority, established in 2023. The city boasts well-maintained roads and ample parking facilities, making local travel convenient.

The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) operates a comprehensive network of public buses, connecting the city to neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as to Delhi. Major highways like NH 7, NH 152, and NH 5 provide road connectivity to nearby cities like Patiala, Ambala, Kaithal, Shimla, and Ludhiana.

Chandigarh Airport facilitates domestic flights to key Indian cities and introduced international routes to Dubai and Sharjah in 2015. The Chandigarh Junction railway station connects the city to various parts of India through the extensive Indian Railways network, serving both Chandigarh and neighbouring Panchkula.

Education and Sports Landscape in Chandigarh

Chandigarh is home to a plethora of educational institutions catering to diverse academic needs.

Renowned establishments include Panjab University, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Punjab Engineering College, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, National Institute of Technical Teacher Training and Research (NITTTR), Postgraduate Government College, and DAV College. 

The city boasts 115 government schools, offering quality education. Additionally, there are esteemed private schools, such as St. Anne's Convent School, St. John's High School, Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School, Carmel Convent School, Delhi Public School, and D.A.V. Public School. 

In the realm of sports, the Sector 16 Stadium remains significant despite the construction of the PCA Stadium in Mohali. It hosts various cricket matches and provides a platform for local cricketers. Furthermore, the Chandigarh Golf Club offers an impressive 18-hole course known for its challenging layout and floodlit holes, attracting golf enthusiasts from far and wide.

Must-Visit Tourist Attractions

Chandigarh offers a plethora of tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the serene beauty of places like the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden (which hosts the annual Rose Festival), the Japanese Garden, and the picturesque Sukhna Lake. 

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park and Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary provide opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is a unique marvel, showcasing sculptures made from industrial and urban waste. 

History buffs can delve into the city's heritage at sites like the Government Museum and Art Gallery and the Gandhi Bhawan. Architectural marvels such as the Open Hand Monument, Palace of Assembly, and Chandigarh Capitol Complex are must-visits for those interested in modernist design.

Other notable attractions include Sector-17, Burail Fort, Chandi Mandir, and the bustling Elante Mall, offering something for every traveller's taste.

As our journey through Chandigarh draws to a close, let's honour its profound heritage, rejoice in its triumphs, and commit to safeguarding its legacy for future generations. In Chandigarh, history merges seamlessly with the present, illuminating a path towards a more radiant and equitable tomorrow—a tribute to the city's enduring resilience and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.