GAURAV CHHABRA Vs. UNION OF INDIAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS petition has been filed in public interest. It brings into focus what according to the petitioner is uncalled for interference with what happens to be a heritage site of considerable importance from the educational point of view comprising a large water body surrounded by thick natural vegetation and abundant bio-diversity in Sector 26 of Chandigarh.

(2.) THE petitioner's apprehension is that the site in question which is frequented by people living in the city of Chandigarh and school children is sought to be taken over by the Administration for setting up of a Civil Services Officers Institute for IAS officers. Any such take over of the area would, according to the petitioner be against public interest as the same would deprive the citizens of the green patch which has been traditionally used as a green spot supporting bio-diversity in the area.

(3.) IN response to a notice issued by this Court, Union Territory Administration, Chandigarh has filed a reply on the affidavit of Sanjay Kumar, IAS, Finance Secretary cum Secretary, Urban Planning, UT Chandigarh, in which the allegation that the Administration was taking over the site for setting up Civil Services Officers Institute has been denied. The affidavit further states that the Administration proposes to set up a Butterfly Park at the site in question and a proposal in that behalf has been approved by the Administrator, UT Chandigarh on 29.03.2009. The said park shall comprise 7.144 acres within the area in dispute, although, the detailed design of the park has not been worked out. It is further stated that the park will be consistent with basic the character of the existing site and its existing natural features such as trees and the water body(pond). It is also stated that the natural environment of the site will be maintained.