Edict of Chandigarh

The object of this edict is to enlighten the present and future citizens of Chandigarh about the basic concepts of planning of the city so that they become its guardians and save it from whims of individuals. This edict sets out the following basic ideas underlying the planning of the city.

Human Scale

The city of Chandigarh is planned to human scale. It puts in touch with the infinite cosmos and nature. It provides us with places and buildings for all human activities in which the citizens can live a full and harmonious life. Here the radiance of nature and heart are within our reach.

Sectors

The city is composed of sectors. Each sector is ( ½ mile x ¾ mile) 800 meters x 1200 meters enclosed by roads allocated to fast mechanized transport and sealed to direct access from the houses.

Each sector caters for the daily needs of its inhabitants which vary from 5000 to 25000 and has a green strip oriented longitudinally stretching centrally along the sector in the direction of the mountains. The green strip should stay un-interrupted of the mountains. The green strip should stay un-interrupted and accommodate schools, sports, walks and recreational facilities for the sector.

Vehicular traffic is completely forbidden in the green strips where tranquility shall reign and the curse of noises shall not penetrate.

Roads

The roads of the city are classified into seven categories known as systems of 7 Vs as below :

V-1 Fast roads connecting Chandigarh to other towns. V-2 Arterial roads. V-3 Fast vehicular sector dividing roads. V-4 Meandering shopping streets. V-5 Sector circulation roads. V-6 Access roads to houses. V-7 Foot paths and cycle tracks.

Buses will only ply on V-1, V-2, V-3 and V-4 roads. A wall shall seal the V-3 roads form the sector.

Areas of special Architectural interest.

Certain areas of Chandigarh are of special architectural interest where harmonized and unified composition of building is aimed at. Absolute architectural and zoning control should remain operative.

Along V-2 central (Dual carriage-ways, Madhya Marg and Uttar Marg where sky-line heights, character and architecture of buildings as planned shall not be altered.

No building shall be constructed north of the Capitol Complex.

Along V-2 beyond dual carriage way, areas are reserved for cultural institutions only and shall never have any residential buildings.

City Centre

The central plaza in Sector-17 was designated by Le Corbusier as “ Pedestrians Paradise”. No vehicular traffic will be permitted in the plaza.

Industrial Area

Only such industries as are powered by electricity would be permitted in the Industrial Areas so that atmosphere is saved from pollution.

The Lake

The lake is a gift of the creators of Chandigarh to the citizens to be at one with nature, away from the hubbub of city life. There shall be no commercial exploitation of the lake and its environment and its tranquility shall be guaranteed by banning noises.

Landscaping

The landscaping of this city bases on careful observation of the vegetation of India. Selected ornamental trees, shrubs and climbers have been planted according of colour schemes to beautify it. In future planting and replacement, these principles must be kept in view. There should be no haphazard replacement so that the avenues retain their harmony and beauty.

The Leisure Valley, the Rajindra Park and other parks shall be developed as parks only and no building other than already planned shall be permitted.

No Personal Statue Be Erected

The age of personal statues is gone. No personal statues shall be erected in the city or parks of Chandigarh. The city is planned to breathe the new sublimated spirit of art. Commemoration of persons shall be confined to suitably placed bronze plaques.

Truthfulness of Building Materials to be Maintained.

The truthfulness of materials of constructions, concrete, bricks and stone shall be maintained in all buildings and constructed or to be constructed.