PU expansion: South to match north’s splendour

CHANDIGARH: Magnificient structures, dedicated spaces for student activities and residential areas which are limited to Panjab University’s north campus (Sec 14) so far might soon become a reality in the south campus too. Concepts of high-rise buildings housing multiple departments and even student hostels might make the campus even more interesting as the university is all set to have a dedicated masterplan for its south campus.
Working on a major expansion plan for PU south campus located in Sector 25, PU authorities have held multiple meetings with the Chandigarh administration to give a final shape to the master plan.

Currently, the south campus is not too planned. Around 10 years back, a few departments —microbiology, biophysics, biochemistry, biotechnology, Centre for Nuclear Medicine, Centre for Nano Science and Nanotechnology and Centre for Public Health (UIEAST) — were shifted from PU’s north campus (Sector 14) to the south campus, which falls under heritage sectors of the city.
With the UT administration already providing zoning to the PU authorities, the PU has outlined the masterplan, which will be placed before the sub-heritage committee of the administration for a detailed assessment and final approval. PU has made various proposals, which will be evaluated and finalized by keeping the laid down parameters and heritage aspects in mind.
There are plans to have a huge auditorium of 2,000 capacity, dedicated areas for cultural activities, student centre etc. Sources said the masterplan will cover departments, residential areas for employees and spaces for student activities. “Considering that PU’s south campus in Sector 25 has ample space, the masterplan will be planned for the next four to five decades. Multiple deliberations have already taken place between PU and UT, following which the masterplan will now be sent to the sub-heritage committee for discussion and approval,” sources in the UT administration said.