Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh were designed by same Architect

The famous architect Charles Correa passed away a few days back. May his soul Rest In Peace. His death reminds of another famous architect, Otto Königsberger who designed the state capitals Bhubaneswar for Odisha. Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab/Haryana was built around the same time. They were designed in almost identical manner. Only difference, what we call UNITs in Bhubaneswar are called SECTORs in Chandigarh. The similarity ends there.

 

The difference, ask those who are familiar to both the cities. Chandigarh is one of the most livable cities in India, lively, green and thriving. Bhubaneswar is becoming more and more unlivable as days pass (admitted by many who have been living there for decades). A planned city is growing completely unplanned way. When the city started to outgrow itself around Y2K (Year 2000), the authorities rather than being the architect of its growth, not only slept but became inept and corrupt. Cool breeze blowing across green foliage, these days has been replaced by hot lava winds meandering through concrete jungle. Certain things have reached beyond the point of redemption.

 

During our growing up in that city, no bypass was needed as the city's arteries were not clogged. Now clogging of sewage lines and its spilling over has spewed anger among the denizens. The  cesspools have become ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. I remember poking fun at my friends from Cuttack about their famous KATAKI MASA (mosquitoes from Cuttack) who are rumored to lift men for miles. Now Bhubaneswari Masa can give them a run for money.

 

Hindustan Motors and Toyota started their operation in 1967 and the similarity ends there. Without going into further details, I can tell that if Chandigarh is Toyota today then Bhubaneswar is Hindustan Motors, aptly describing the Tell of the Two Cities - the name of the famous novel by another Charles, Dickens. Mr. Charles Correa, if you happen to meet your counterpart Otto Königsberger in your heavenly abode, please tell him that there is nothing wrong in his deign of the city. Lots of water has flown since in rivers Daya and Kuakhai which sandwiches the lovely city you steadfastly designed. You can read him the Odia proverb, duly transliterated 

 

"MANKADA HATA RE SALAGRAMA
NACHAI NACHAI NELA PRANA"..

 

" The deity's statue in monkey's gripe;
   Danced and danced until he took its life".