The City Beautiful

Here comes my second post. As a novice, I want to start of with some "factual blogs". Slowly n steadily I would try to bring myriad of flavors to my blog. As of now, I wish to write about the city I live in (and the city I love)-Chandigarh.

THE HISTORY

In 1948, after the partition, the state of Punjab had lost its capital, Lahore, to Pakistan. And hence there was a need to carve out a new capital for the region. Of all the new town schemes in independent India, Chandigarh project assumed quite significance, due to its strategically important location as well as personal interest shown by the then Prime Minister Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru. A French (Swiss born) architect Le Corbusier was pulled in the project. Today, all over the world ,Chandigarh is renowned for its architecture and urban planning. It also holds the enviable distinction of being the first planned city of India.

THE INFRASTRUCTURE

The city with 114 sq km area under its belt, has been meticulously divided into 47 sectors (there being no sector 13) spreading across 1200m n 800m in length and width respectively. Each sector has been made self sufficient in itself to accommodate the living , working and leisure requirements of the residents. Every sector has its own market(with cheap and sufficient parking space), worship places, beautiful and well maintained gardens. To deal with the problems of public nuisance ,adequate public conveniences and separate dumping grounds for garbage have been provided.

A hierarchy of roads run across the city . The highest connecting the city to the highways and the lowest STRICTLY meant for pedestrians and cycles. One would not find bugger potholes on the road and can enjoy traffic less, hustle free ride to one's destination.There are traffic signals and big plush green roundabouts at every alternate crossing. Giant green trees planted on both sides of the road provide solace to you in summers.

THE ADMINISTRATION

The administration of Chandigarh is one the toughests one would find in the country. The rules are made, and they are meant to be kept. The no-nonsense attitude of administration keeps the citizens in check. Overloading in vehicles is not allowed. As per the decree, both the driver of the two wheeler and the pillion rider, are required to be in helmet (that too ISI-approved ones). Bizarrely, women are exempted from this law. Proper surveillance is kept through CCTV cameras, PCR vans and vigilant policemen. Encroachment is something out of question. Construction of more than two-storey edifices ain't allowed. Blaring DJ's are put to silence after 10pm.


THE UNOFFICIAL

OK. Enough of formal informations. Lets get some informal. If you want to see REAL hot babes, Chandigarh is the place to be. Fair skinned, long haired, impeccably dressed mesmerizing beauties keep roaming at different places. And why only babes, dudes are no less. Tall, strong and handsome hunks majestically seated on their Royal Enfields can give any model a run for their money. The richest of the rich of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal live in plush houses (read palaces). No wonder Chandigarh has the highest per capita income in the entire country. If you have money in your pocket, and if you desire peace, Chandigarh is the place to be. No wonder it is called "The City Beautiful".