Chandigarh, Aug 21 — A high-level meeting of the UT Administrator’s Advisory Council on Art, Culture, Tourism, and Heritage Preservation has pitched ambitious plans to transform Chandigarh into a global tourism hub, including introducing a signature landmark similar to the London Eye or Singapore Flyer and developing a “Miracle Garden” on the lines of Dubai.
The meeting, chaired by council committee head H.S. Lucky at the UT Secretariat, Sector 9, brought together officials, experts, and special invitees from tourism, hospitality, and urban planning. Members stressed that while Chandigarh is celebrated for its architecture, green spaces, and planned design, its tourism potential remains underutilized.
“Chandigarh has always been admired for its modernist vision, but we must now leverage these strengths to attract global visitors,” Lucky said. “Cultural festivals, food carnivals, and public events will enrich the city’s cultural life, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy.”
The committee discussed a range of proposals — from upgrading Sukhna Lake, Rock Garden, and Rose Garden to introducing new annual cultural festivals. Ideas included a “Chandigarh Arts and Crafts Carnival” for artisans, a “Food and Heritage Festival” showcasing regional cuisines, and a “Music and Performing Arts Week” featuring national and international artists.
Infrastructure upgrades also figured prominently. Plans were suggested for improved parking facilities, pedestrian-friendly zones, better signage, photo-op spaces, and open-air event venues. Other ideas included creating promenades, cycling trails, and adventure parks to expand recreational opportunities.
To balance development with heritage, Lucky emphasized revising building bylaws to modernize Chandigarh’s appearance without eroding its architectural identity. “At present, a school, a hospital, and even a five-star hotel look the same. We need fresh, contemporary designs while preserving the city’s character,” he said.
Members also proposed collaborations with universities, cultural bodies, and international art councils for artist residencies, heritage restoration, and exchange programs with global design schools. Such partnerships, they argued, would reinforce Chandigarh’s status as both a modernist city and a cultural hub.
The session concluded with a decision to conduct field visits to major tourist attractions to assess their condition and identify improvement opportunities. Findings will be reviewed in a follow-up meeting to finalize actionable proposals.
Among those present were Saurabh Arora, Director of Art and Culture; Parduman Singh, Director of Tourism; former architecture college principal S.S. Bhatti; senior architect Shams; assistant town planner Manvinder Singh; CITCO PRO Deepti; Megha Kulkarni; and Veena Kumari from the Government Art Museum.
The committee expressed confidence that coordinated efforts by government agencies, local communities, and experts could position Chandigarh as a benchmark for culture, tourism, and heritage preservation in India.
