HC okays construction of flyover from Zirakpur to Chandigarh’s Tribune Chowk; overrules environmental concerns

PTC Web Desk: In a significant development, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has lifted the stay on the construction of a flyover from Zirakpur to Chandigarh’s Tribune Chowk, allowing the long-awaited project to proceed. The flyover, aimed at easing traffic congestion between the two cities, had faced legal hurdles since 2019 when a petition was filed against it.

The flyover project, which aims to connect Zirakpur to Chandigarh’s Tribune Chowk, is expected to significantly improve connectivity and alleviate traffic woes in the region. With the legal impediments removed, the authorities are now gearing up to kickstart the construction process and expedite the completion of this vital infrastructure project.

The petitioner, Run Club, had raised concerns about the environmental impact of the project, highlighting the potential loss of nearly 700 trees. They argued that such deforestation would be detrimental to the environment, and questioned the absence of provisions for the flyover in the city’s master plan.

Responding to these concerns, the Chandigarh administration assured that for every tree felled, three new ones would be planted. However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court intervened, halting both the construction of the flyover and the tree felling until further deliberation.

After extensive debates and hearings, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has now reversed its earlier decision, giving the approval light to the construction of the flyover. The court emphasised the urgent need for infrastructure development, noting the daily struggles commuters face due to traffic congestion.