Former chairman of the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Punjab Chapter, Ar. Sanjay Goel, Surinder Bahga, former Chairman of IIA Chandigarh-Punjab Chapter and SD Singh, former Chairman IIA Chandigarh Chapter have welcomed the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to reject the Haryana government’s proposal seeking land in Chandigarh for constructing an additional assembly building. The MHA has advised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to refrain from pursuing the matter further with the Chandigarh administration.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Ar. Goel said the MHA’s stand aligns with the long-held concerns of the Indian Institute of Architects, Chandigarh Chapter. He recalled that in June 2022, the Chandigarh Chapter had held a press conference where it strongly objected to the proposed Haryana Vidhan Sabha building in Chandigarh. Ar. Goel, who also participated in that press conference, stated that letters had been sent to the Union Home Minister, as well as the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab and the UT Administrator, highlighting that such a proposal would violate Chandigarh’s Master Plan and compromise the city’s unique architectural identity.

Reiterating his earlier objections, Ar. Goel said that constructing a separate Vidhan Sabha building at any location within Chandigarh would be in direct conflict with the original city plan envisioned by Le Corbusier and the revised Master Plan. He warned that such a move would severely impact the integrity of Chandigarh’s globally recognised city-planning principles.

He expressed satisfaction that the MHA had taken a prudent decision by rejecting the proposal, thereby safeguarding Corbusier’s vision and the city’s distinct character.

It is pertinent to note that IIA was the first organisation which raise its voice about this serious violation. Even different political parties spoke much later. But MHA's decision is in the national interest.