S.A.S. NAGAR, Jan 28: The Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) has decided to formulate an innovative scheme to involve entrepreneurs in the development and maintenance of open spaces in the township.With the implementation of the scheme, 12 neglected green patches in commercial and residential sectors will be handed over to industrialists for maintenance. These are located in front of the markets of Phases I, II, III-B-2, IV, V, VII, IX to XI and Sectors 70 and 71, it is learnt. At present, these open spaces are being looked after by the Municipal Council while the development work is being undertaken by PUDA. But, confusion over the work allocation between the MC and PUDA has affected both the maintenance and development of these open spaces.
PUDA officials said those interested in participating in the scheme can get their landscape approved from PUDA. However, certain restrictions would be imposed so that the developed spaces are not used for commercial purposes.
The AssistantChief Administrator, PUDA, Seema Jain, told Newsline that local industrialists have already been intimated about PUDA's decision. "So far, Essar Com Vision Ltd has come forward and sought permission for allotment of open space in Phase V," she added. She said the zoning and landscaping of open spaces will be prepared by industrialists under the supervision of the Town and Country Planning Department of PUDA. The zoning of space will be issued on the lines of Chandigarh and Delhi where the scheme has already been introduced.
Jain said that at present, the roundabouts at Madanpura Chowk, Milk Plant Chowk and the one dividing Phases I and II are being maintained by JCT, Punwire and Diplast Industries who have put up small boards carrying names of the firms on the railing.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
