CHANDIGARH, INDIA — The controversial Tribune Chowk flyover project has hit yet another roadblock after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered an immediate stay on the felling of trees along the proposed route. This significant interim order effectively brings all groundwork on the project to a complete standstill. The division bench ruled that the status quo must be maintained, banning the cutting of mango and other heritage trees until the court delivers its final judgment concerning the Chandigarh Master Plan and the preservation of the city’s unique heritage status.
The High Court issued these directions during a hearing on a petition challenging the construction of the flyover from Tribune Chowk to Zirakpur. The plea alleges that the entire infrastructure project directly violates the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, which explicitly emphasizes transforming the union territory into a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city. The petitioners argued before the bench that the Master Plan contains absolutely no provisions for flyovers within the city limits and that executing this project would permanently compromise Chandigarh’s world-renowned architectural heritage. Furthermore, the court was informed that the construction would require axing thousands of mature trees, dealing a catastrophic blow to the local environment and green cover.
In its defense, the Chandigarh Administration maintained that the flyover is absolutely essential to alleviate the city’s rapidly growing traffic congestion. Addressing environmental concerns, the administration argued that it has committed to a compensatory afforestation plan, pledging to plant five new trees for every single tree removed during construction. Officials also pointed out that the High Court had previously lifted an earlier ban and greenlit the project. However, after hearing extensive arguments from all involved parties, the bench concluded that maintaining the current ecological status quo is vital until a final verdict is reached, leaving the fate of the multi-crore infrastructure project hanging in the balance.
