Chandigarh: The Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC) Friday approved the setting up of a digital museum at the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19, deferred a decision on the revised zoning plan for the Unesco Capitol Complex buffer zone, and sought further examination of a long-term development framework for the Punjab and Haryana high court.The decisions were taken at the 27th meeting of the CHCC chaired by UT chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad. The committee also reviewed compliance with decisions taken at its previous meeting before considering fresh proposals related to the preservation of Chandigarh’s architectural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage status.The committee approved the tourism department’s proposal to establish a digital museum at the Le Corbusier Centre under the Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. Officials informed the committee that the project had been designed with minimal physical intervention to preserve the heritage character of the iconic building while enhancing the visitor experience through digital technologies.Tourism and culture secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah presented the detailed project report, outlining the centre’s historical significance, proposed layout, tourism potential, project cost and expected outcomes. Officials said recommendations made earlier by the sub-heritage committee had been incorporated into the design. The proposal was approved following detailed deliberations.However, the committee deferred a decision on the revised zoning plan for sectors 2, 3, 4 and 5, which fall within the buffer zone of the Capitol Complex. The urban planning department presented proposed architectural controls and building-height norms envisaged under the Chandigarh Master Plan-2031.During discussions, the chief secretary observed that the buffer zone had been created to protect the visual integrity and heritage value of the Capitol Complex and that the rationale behind its creation remained relevant. The committee directed the department to revisit the proposal and submit detailed, justification-based recommendations before a final decision is taken.The CHCC also reviewed the holistic master plan framework prepared for the long-term development of the Punjab and Haryana HC within the Capitol Complex. Consultants engaged by the engineering department presented the framework, which has been prepared in compliance with directions issued by the HC.After discussions, the committee advised the engineering department to further process the proposal in line with observations made during the meeting and applicable heritage conservation norms.Concluding the meeting, the chief secretary reiterated the Chandigarh administration’s commitment to balancing development requirements with the preservation of the city’s globally recognised architectural heritage in accordance with Unesco guidelines.Key Decisions of CHCC MeetingDigital museum approved at Le Corbusier Centre, Sector 19Proposal to be implemented under Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0Revised zoning plan for Capitol Complex buffer zone deferredUrban planning department asked to submit fresh rationaleHigh court campus development framework sent for further processingHeritage conservation norms to guide all future decisions
