Chandigarh to remove 339 trees for market development

Chandigarh's administration plans to cut down 339 trees to relocate two markets. The City has approved the removal of these trees to develop a new site in Sector 56-West. The decision comes after a February 23 approval from the administration. Starting Tuesday, the municipal corporation will begin the process of cutting down the trees, which includes 305 green trees and 34 dry trees. The construction work at the new site was initially set to finish by March 31, but this timeline will likely be delayed. The new market area will provide booths for traders from the Dhanas marble market and furniture traders displaced from Sectors 53 and 54. Recently, the deputy commissioner expanded the relocation plan to include furniture traders after they requested alternative space due to eviction notices for illegal occupation. The new site spans 44 acres and features various plots and booths. Infrastructure improvements such as roads, water supply, and drainage systems will be established before moving the markets. Once the relocation is finalized, the old markets will be demolished. This move follows a 2022 court directive to address issues related to market operations. The existing Dhanas market was deemed to be in violation of local land use laws.