Chandigarh, May 15: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has put a stop to the cutting of trees for the Tribune Chowk flyover project, effectively halting the proposed initiative.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Shil Nagoo and Justice Sanjeev Bery stated that the case had already been heard, and a decision is expected soon. The bench emphasized that it would be prudent to prevent the Chandigarh administration and other respondents from cutting any mango trees or other trees around Tribune Chowk.
However, the bench, which reserved its decision on Wednesday, noted that “the interim order will be subject to the final outcome of the petition.”
Petitioners, including Jagwant Bath, raised environmental concerns and challenged the tree cutting, arguing that it goes against the city’s heritage. They contended that the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, notified under the Punjab Capital Act of 1952 and the Punjab Capital (Periphery) Control Act of 1952, is a legal document that does not recommend the construction of a flyover within the city and mandates the exploration of alternative traffic management measures.
The petitioners also claimed that the urban planning department was initially opposed to the project, believing that the master plan does not permit it.
Chandigarh has received approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) for the construction of the flyover. This flyover, aimed at reducing traffic congestion at Tribune Chowk, has faced repeated procedural delays since its planning, causing its cost to rise from ₹137 crores in 2019 to ₹200 crores now, marking a 45% increase over seven years.
Envisioned in 2016, the project aims to alleviate congestion at the Tribune roundabout, as most incoming traffic to the city passes through this point.
The proposed 1.6-kilometer flyover will start after the Government Medical College and Hospital at the Sector 32 roundabout and will end before the railway overbridge on the southern route.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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