PATIALA KI RAO

Patiala Ki Rao is a seasonal choe with several ecologically sensitive zones. Several settlements are developing exponentially
within and along the choe bed which are putting extreme pressure on the choe for their drainage and waste disposal. This is
having a negative impact on the surrounding environment. The choe, today has converted into a dry nullah whose integrity is at
stake. It is imperative to take measures to save its existing ecology. If protection policies are not implemented to preserve the
choe it will lead to the destruction of local ecology.
Is it sensible to spend millions to reclaim lands in order to beautify the surroundings, if at the same time we fail to take appro-
private steps to save our existing natural environment from being washed away?
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Dry Choe Bed on the western pe-
riphery bridged between Chandigarh
and Mullanpur in Punjab.
UNDERSTANDING PATIALA KI
RAO
DIVYA KUMAR / MAHAVIR SINGH
Diagram showing Patiala Ki Rao in con-
text to Chandigarh.
U.T. Boundary
Major roads
Minor roads
Patiala Ki Rao
Other water Bodies
Forest/Green belts
Tubewells

When you defy the rules of Nature, its easier to see a Protector becomes Constrictor.
-Divya Kumar
Introduction
Close proximity with nature played a major role in the selection of the site for the city of Chan-
digarh. Originating in the Sivalik Hills to the north of the city, the two major choes- the Sukhna
choe and Patiala ki rao on either side dene the eastern and western periphery of Chandigarh.
These choes are major part of the ecology around the city. Two minor tributaries join together
to form Patiala Ki Rao choe. The third tributary of Patiala Ki Rao named Perch which no longer
exists was dammed in the year 1991 by the Punjab Government to provide irrigation facilities to
the surrounding areas. The choe provides seasonal drainage for the surface water runof of the
6000 ft high Sivaliks. The choe covers major part of Punjab through the Sivaliks. Flowing across
north western to south eastern region of Chandigarh the choe enters Mohali from where it heads
towards Patiala in Punjab.
Rural settlements exist along the choe whose presence dates back beyond twenty years. A road
along the choe edge connects these villages to the city. These settlements serve the city in variety
of ways like trading of agricultural and dairy products due to huge agricultural land and animal
husbandry being practiced there. These include Khuda Jassu, Khuda Lahora, Dhanas Dadumajra
and Nayagaon which are sandwiched between Chandigarh and Mullanpur. Other villages North-
East of the city include Nada, Karoran, Singa Devi, Tandi in Punjab.
Minute quantity of water in the choe
due to dry season.
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Geography of Patiala Ki Rao originating
from the contours of SIivaliks.
1 // Chandigarh Administration, Chan-
digarh Master Plan 2031 Draft, 17.5
2// State of Environment Report, Chan-
digarh. 3 Feb 2014.
3 // hydrogeology 7 Feb 2014. < cgwb.
gov.in >.
HYDROLOGY
ECOLOGY
FLOODPLAINS
Stacked plates : Patiala Ki Raos natural endowments.
Geography
Hydrology
The choe covers majority of area under water bodies which contribute to 3.1% of area to the city.
2

Monsoons contribute majority of water ow of the choe from July to September, rest of the year
being dry. The water ow in the choe has reduced over the last decade due to Siltation mainly
caused by natural forces over time, construction around the choe and deforestation. The sur-
rounding area experiences hot summers from March to June, cold and dry winter from November
to March, sub-tropical monsoon from July to September and a humid post monsoon transition
period from September to October.
The layers of the choe bed comprise of materials deposited by runof from Sivaliks. These materials
include stones, sand, silt and clay. Along the choe a thick bed of sand has been observed. This thick
bed is inter-layered with clay in northeast and southwest directions of the nala. Clay percentage
varying from 31 to 88 and sand percentage varying from 12 to 69 have been encountered in various
boreholes. Deep aquifers are found along this region existing below 250 mbgl.
3
The choe recharg-
es these deep sub-soil water aquifers which provide Chandigarh about 20% of its ground water.
1

Many of Chandigarhs tube wells are currently located in the beds of the choe.
Wildlife
Flowing through parts of UT, Haryana and Punjab, the Patiala Ki Rao performs important ecolog-
ical functions from housing variety of ora and fauna to channelizing run-of water from the hills
thus preventing ooding and erosion. Large variety of wildlife exists in the forestlands of the choe.
Birds including peacocks, vultures, eagles, bats etc are found in the Patiala Ki Rao reserve forest.
Others include deer, swamp deer, tiger and indian muntjac in upper regions of Sivaliks. Migratory
birds visit the area during winter. Small water bodies formed as a result of the choe cater to a
variety of sh and ducks.
Out of 470.38 ha of forest land 23.29 ha of land was counted as Patiala Ki Rao reserve forest by UT
in 1961.
1
Various green belts have been retained along the choe in Mohali. Within Chandigarh itself,
Patiala Ki Rao Reserve Forest contributes to the overall green cover of UT.
Forests in midst of Sivaliks.
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Wells recharged by the choe are being used for irrigation and domestic purpose.
Forests along the choe are ecologically sensitive zones house a large variety of ora and
fauna.
Absence of any boundaries between the hills and the developments makes it easy for interac-
tion between wildlife and existing settlements.
Vehicles with in the choe bed depicting choe being used as road due to absence of water and
no proper road connectivity in the region.
Gurudwara showing socio-cultural aspect of village life. These spaces act as recreational
places for these settlements.
The choe carries out multiple functions of recharging ground water, keeping the soil congu-
ration balanced useful for agriculture and carrying the villages bio waste downhill.
Current Scenario
Today, the function of the choe has taken a twist due to various human interventions which have
resulted in degradation of the choe and the natural environment surrounding it. Patiala Ki Rao is
under serious threat from the developments taking place along it. Non Sectoral Villages of Chan-
digarh growing illegally beyond the Lal Dora are depending upon the choe for their waste disposal.
Due to absence of proper sewage system, sewage from the surrounding villages is diverted into
the choe. Also unsupervised garbage dumps thrown into the choe have converted it into dumping
ground.
Unauthorized settlements taking place within the dry choe bed have created embankments to
prevent ooding during monsoon. Natural forces over time and construction around the choe
haVE led to siltation- a major contributor of reduction in water content. In addition to this, Un-
regulated sand mining taking place in parts is reducing the water recharging capacity gradually.
Land Distribution
The land along the choe is acquired by both government and private holders. Major chunk of land
within and around the villages involves agricultural practices but today this land is being sold of
to private owners for other purposes like animal husbandry, tourism activities etc. A combination
of Urban and rural character can be seen throughout the stretch.
Future
Growth is taking place at an alarming rate putting extreme pressure on the choe for waste dispos-
al. If this uncontrolled growth is not managed it will have a negative impact on the city as well as
the surrounding natural environment. Also this informal growth will eventually disrupt the fragile
ecology of the Patiala ki Rao.
Women disposing waste water into the
choe.
Understafed men clearing overwhelm-
ing amount of garbage in the choe.
Embankments made in stone by illegal
temporary settlements along the banks
of the choe.
Panaromic view showing various aspects of Rural life along Patiala Ki Rao.
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Current Scenario showing activities of the
surrounding areas along Patiala Ki Rao.
WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE
FARMING
BRIDGE
ECO TOURISM
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
GARBAGE DISPOSAL
SETTLEMENTS
WATER BODIES
HOSPITAL
INSTITUTIONS
PUBLIC AREAS
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Over population and growth has led to the search for more and more cultivable and residential
land at the expense of nature. The Patiala ki Rao is no exception.
Various natural processes developed over the years have become a lifeline for natures growth
and sustainance. Change of a single factor can afect other processes of the chain which can
imbalance the cycle. The monsoons wash away the Raos biowaste and trash (collected over the
9 month dry period) and helps replenish the surrounding areas cleanliness until its next cycle.
Deforestation, sand mining, and siltation are three very big factors afecting the cycle as well.
Various natural processes associated with the rao are depicted below. Zones along the choe
should be handled very sensitively with stringent development measures especially under the
Periphery Control Act so as to not disrupt such processes in any negative way.
ECOLOGY
DIVYA KUMAR / MAHAVIR SINGH
Water ow in Patiala Ki Rao during
monsoon.
Image : Google map facebook group.
Table showing Water table of the choe varying due to temperature changes throughout the year.
Diagram showing the choe being recharged by natural processes. These combine together to serve the ecosystem in a variety of ways.
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Presence of Land banking practices has slowly led to the conversion of a substantial percentage of agricul-
tural land as residential land via property dealers. Though a stay by the high court was implemented on any
further development from happening along the Patiala Ki Rao, this isnt a deterrent for these property deal-
ers to continue making anticipation deals on paper about such lands. It was noticed that by slowly develop-
ing a road network from Patiala Ki Rao up to Pinjore, the regions accessibility and proximity to Chandigarh
has started acting as a lucrative investment area for property dealers. Though villages like karoran continue
to be self-sustaining, indulging in barters with nearby villages, the time isnt far for such areas to develop
haphazardly with a potential to do harm to the ecology. In addition, a more intricate road network is devel-
oping specially with bridge development happening along the Rao at various junctions which is a further
cause of worry accessibility attracts investment.
Diagram showing various endowments taking place along the choe throughout the region.
HUMAN INTERVENTION
ROAD NETWORK
BUILT MASS
AGRICULTURAL LAND
SALABLE LAND
SITE CONTEXT
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DOCUMENTING PATIALA KI RAO
ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3
DIVYA KUMAR / MAHAVIR SINGH
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This chapter documents the conditions of Patiala Ki Rao. Consequently Alterations to the initial functions of the choe are
slowly transforming the choe. As we move uphill along the choe, the activities taking place that are more sympathetic to the
ecology. Some of these have afected choes functions and vice versa. The natural environment surrounding the choe and the
city has intermingled with each other. These include agriculture, commercial growth, service oriented growth and trade. This
places further pressure on the choe, disturbing its ecology.
ZONE 4 ZONE 5
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ZONE 1
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ZONE 2
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A water way in the botanical lake helps
channelize excess water of the lake
during monsoons to the choe.
Section showing Patiala Ki Rao nd adjoining areas.
Garbage dump on edge of the choe
along the Road connecting Chandigarh
with Mullanpur.
Patiala Ki Rao nursery is an integral part
of the reserve forest.
Panaromic view of Dhanas Lake bodered by the Patiala Ki Rao reserve forest on two sides.
Analysis of Zone 1
Observations from the city surroundings show that the choe is intersected by Madhya Marg lead-
ing up to Mullanpur acting as a junction between the city and peripheral areas. A huge concrete
bridge spanning over the choe connects this major route where a lot of trade activities between
these areas are taking place. A substantial percentage of people from the peripheral villages de-
pend on the city for their livelihood. Cultivation of land due to rich soil fertility is their major source
of income. There are various non sectoral villages with extending developments along the choe.
Patiala Ki Rao reserve forest adjoining the Dhanas lake, an integral part of the city, ofers habitat
to various species of ora and fauna. Being in proximity to the north-western sectors such as 14
and 25, the stretch along Dhanas Lake is used for recreational activities by various age groups of
people of the city and Dhanas.
With a purpose to conserve the ora of the region as well as exotic and endangered species,
Chandigarh Administration has established a Botanical Garden near village Sarangpur. This garden
spreads over 176 acres of land, connected with the Patiala Ki Rao reserve forest through a cause-
way. Patiala-ki-Rao forest spreads over 350 acres of land. This garden when fully developed would
be one of the biggest in this region boasting of 15 Botanical Sections. The primary aim of setting
up of Botanical Garden is to promote research, education, ex-situ conservation and to spread
awareness about our oral heritage. In addition, the garden would help promote eco-tourism in
Chandigarh.
1
A Solar energy park is also being set up at Botanical Garden, Village Sarangpur with
assistance from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
2
Recently a botanical garden lake was built with provision for channeling excessive rain water col-
lected during the monsoon to Patiala Ki Rao. This section acts as a perfect example to cite the dif-
ference in approach of the U.T and the Punjab Govt. The development around the choe has been
handled sensitively in response to ecology compared to the haphazard development we shall see
in the following sections.
1 // Botanical garden 1 march 2014,
<chandigarh.gov.in>.
2 // State level energy park 1 march
2014, <chandigarh.gov.in>.
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Analysis of Zone 2
Instances of rapid growth placing extreme pressure on the peripheral areas of UT are visible along
the choe as one heads up from the UT area towards the Shivaliks of Punjab. This region consists of
large chunk of agricultural land owned by farmers. They depend on agricultural practices for their
livelihood. A green belt adjoining UT boundary and parts of Nayagaon was also identied which is
home for a large variety of fauna. But increase in human interference in the area has endangered
their natural habitat and is leading to such species having to migrate further uphill.
Since some part of the choe also ows through Mohali therefore various encroachments from Mo-
hali are adding to the existing problems. GMADA has identied 606 illegal encroachments which
include slums of Dhanas and NAC Nayagaon has 482 informal settlements that rely on the choe
for their drainage. Appropriate rules and regulations have recently been passed to demolish these
settlements as they are posing severe threat to the choe in coming future.
Nayagaon is developed along the choe above the northern periphery and has direct connectivity
to the North West areas of the city. Bordered by Rajendra Park on one side it has a population of
50,869. Availability of diferent building materials makes it a crucial trading zone between people
of the city and the town. Along the choe is a long patch of private plots whose numbers have
increased substantially by private groups over time. Due to non availability of land in Chandigarh,
residential developments have started where diferent classes of people have been provided af-
fordable living. Nayagaon faces a small settlement called Nada (Classied under district Mohali)
on the other side of the choe, considered to be in the forestland of Nayagaon. Various centers
built along the choe involve religious and cultural activities. To cite examples, a women sewing
training center, a gurudwara and a mosque were seen to be heavily visited and used by the local-
ities.
Recently, storm water management systems have been laid down by Punjab Government in a di-
rect response to problems with water disposal that came up over a decade due to lack of drainage
systems and ill maintainance of the open areas. Currently , there still doesnt exist a plan for an ur-
ban scale sewage system of these areas. For years people have been depending upon septic tanks
for their sewage disposal. Futher issues of water for domestic purposes are also existent. After
use, the grey water of such supplies are restored to the ground via deep dug wells. As a result, the
surrounding areas because of untreated waste have become breeding grounds for insects. Rising
levels of toxicity in the choe are prevalent due to toxic waste being disposed into it. To conclude,
Neglected haphazard growth taking place in this region causing damage not just to the public but
the environment as well.
A man practicing animal husbandry in
the middle of the choe..
Drain along the road carrying grey wa-
ter of the village Nada.
Section of Nayagaon and other settlements surrounding the choe.
Signage showing information about
residences and streets in Nayagaon.
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ZONE 3
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ZONE 4
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Analysis of Zone 3
Moving ahead of Nayagaon we see more unauthorized developments existing inside the choe bed.
These include temporary as well as permanent ones next to the choe bed. Structures have come
up using some of the local material like gravel, stone, mud etc obtained from the choe during.
Foundations are in stone masonry. To minimize the danger from water overow during monsoon
embankments are made along the existing water path.
These settlements show a partial urban character. Application of urban agricultural practices like
kitchen gardens is observed in individual houses. Rear side of these settlements facing the choe
bed adds to the ugly outlook of this natural component. Due to absence of proper sanitation tem-
porary settlements depend on the choe for their sanitation. A change in Land use pattern can be
seen while moving across the area. Observations show a kind of eco-tourism being practiced in
midst of the hills. Public areas are being used for resorts, parks which are privately owned. Location
of these spaces was based on the view of the existing natural sight which has been ruined today.
Considerable part of adjoining area has been identied as salable land belonging to private devel-
opers. Unidentied land on the footsteps of the hills includes forests. Projects by Punjab govern-
ment are undergoing to bridge the choe at irregular intervals.
A natural unnamed lake surrounded by hills on all sides was seen to be acting as refuge for wildlife
and a variety of birds. Its steep terrain has so far prevented humans from intervening around the
lake but at the same time is ofering scenic natural view of the ecosystem involved. But every posi-
tive has a ipside to it. These hill tops were seen to have a lot of liquor bottles and food packaging
littered around.as its slowly become a hotspot for the youth to climb up and relax at night.
Project by Punjab Govt. constructed
over Patiala Ki Rao to connect the city
with villages along the choe.
Natural inaccessible lakes like this act
as home for wildlife.
Section showing Blow up detail of the area along the choe.
Various private lands including resorts and parks ofering scenic views of the Sivaliks.
Signage showing activities of the forest
hill resort.
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Analysis of Zone 4
The two major tributaries of Patiala ki rao join together to create a ood plain at their junction.
Village karoran and tandi extend through these tributaries towards north. Settlements spread
amongst the valleys practice a wide range of agricultural activities sufcient for themselves and
their remoteness from cities has over time made them self-reliant. Constant recharging of the
ground water table through rainfall has facilitated the villagers to use this water via wells and tube
wells for domestic purposes such as laundry, cleaning, irrigation and cattle feeding.
One of the striking feature in the region is how the function of the choe has taken a turn from be-
ing a seasonal rivulet to a passageway for the villagers to pass through their respective areas and
connect with other parts of the region. This is due to absence of road network. The road along the
choe here merges into it. As a result the adjoining developments face trouble during monsoons
due to water over ow.
These settlements have a rural character. Local solutions to sewerage, cooking gas, irrigation, grey
water drainage and conveyance are being practiced here. Deep septic tanks and elds are used for
sewerage due to lack of sewerage lines, biogas is produced from cow dung pies used for cooking
and grey water after use is disposed of into the choe. Agriculture is being practiced to provide food
and fodder for the settlements. Local Animals like donkeys, horses, goats, hens are reared. Horses
and donkeys are used as conveyance and to carry goods. Terrace farming and cattle grazing is their
major occupation. Thus these settlements depend mostly on local materials for livelihood.
Wide range of socio-cultural activities is visible in the region. Places of religious interests like
gurudwaras, temples and mosques exist in the settlements. People own camels which have been
used in the cultural fairs of Chandigarh to enhance tourism and cultural activities of the city. It an
important feature of cultural connectivity between the city and the area. Small water bodies are
used for recreational activities like shing.
Thus a symbiotic relation exists between these settlements as they depend on each other for
sustainance.
Rural character of the settlements de-
veloped along Patiala Ki Rao.
Wells recharged by the choe being used
for irrigation and feeding cattle.
Camel riding towards Chandigarh
owned by the villagers.
Section with the Blow up detail of the area along the choe.
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ZONE 5
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Analysis of Zone 5
Lying in the dense forests of Sivalik hills this zone are very ecologically sensitive zone. The choe
originating in the steep slopes of the hills undergoes siltation. Step terrace farming and animal
husbandry are being practiced majorly in response to steep slopes and undulating terrains.
Forests are home to a wide range of wildlife. Various water bodies obtained by the choe serve the
inhabitants of Sivaliks. Variety of ora and fauna are found in the hills. There are wide variety of
trees, shrubs, herbs, grasses and climbers. Prominent among them are Dalbergia sisoo (Shisham),
Anogeissus latifolia (Chhal), Azadirachta indica (Neem), Bombax ceiba, Emblica ofcinalis (Amla),
Morus alba (Tut), Lannea grandis (Jhingan), Diospyros montana (Kendu), Murraya koenigii (Kari
patta), Prosopis juliora (Musket), Cassia stula (Amaltas) and Abrus precatorious (Rati).
Mammals include porcupines, swamp deer, pigs, muntjacs, jungle cat, squirrel, monkeys, Indian
hare etc. Peacocks, bats, ducks, crows, owls, parrots, cuckoos, hawks, koel, bulbul are prominent
species of birds found here.
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Flora and Fauna comprise a sensitive
part of the Sivalik Hills.
Peacock playing in the terrains of the
Sivaliks.
Section of the valleys of the Sivaliks uphill.
Ecologically sensitive zone of the Sivaliks with variety of ora extending up the hills.
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SUMMATION
DIVYA KUMAR / MAHAVIR SINGH
To sum it up, the lesser we interfere with nature, greater are its chances of maintaining its char-
acter. A river naturally ows as long as its natural course remains unaltered. Our study concluded
that the recent interventions are afecting the river for the worse and these remain unchecked due
to its low magnitude of scale. But multiply such interventions by two and the need to revitalize the
river wont be far. As the simplest of sayings go-Prevention is better than cure. Keeping riverside
developments under surveillance and check is the need of an hour to ensure, that in the future too,
its ecology remains intact. The ecological potential of Patiala Ki Rao needs to be conserved than
to be exploited. There is no harm in sensitively approached development happening in parts along
the river as long as it can be ensured that keeping all stakeholders in consideration, the river and
its relative ecology is maintained in balance.
All elements of our study- the river, the ecology, hydrology, agro-practices, land as an asset (both
commercial and residential point of view), settlements and their waste disposal have a certain
degree of impact on the city. The need to establish these relationships by the authorities in a more
detailed and sophisticated method is of utmost importance. Proper research and establishment of
all symbiotic relations of each element is needed so that a suitable master plan of the choe can be
established (after assessing all pros and cons of every implied government decision).
The choe serves multiple purpose from its origin till its termination and hence its surroundings
cannot be designed in a particular way. Designs and proposals need to reect the character of the
particular zone in question and cannot be imposed on Patiala Ki Rao as a whole. It is imperative
that the choes immediate surroundings and its adjacent zones should be considered while pro-
posing and designing not just at a micro scale but urban scale too. No design should be allowed to
take place without knowing the consequences it can have on the ow of the river further downhill,
on its ecology on the character of its neighborhood.
In the scope of the study we conducted, areas around the Botanical Garden, Dhanas Lake, Chan-
digarh-Mullanpur Bridge, Nayagaons green belt, un built property lands near the resorts, showed
potential improvement while rest of the areas showed unique characters which are worth pre-
serving with minimal or no design interventions. However, no design intervention does not mean
that conservation is not required. Certain policy changes are required to ensure that lands worth
safeguarding remain intact over time.
There is a need for already constructed properties to be reviewed. Two resorts were seen con-
structed towards the end of nayagaon. Both were drastically opposite in their approach. One was
jutting out of its surroundings rather than blending in. A motive to set in with the natural scenery
we thought was lacking. The design of its structure and landscaping was more commercial than
sensitive. On the other hand, a sensitively constructed eco-resort, Ground Zero, completely blend-
ed with the Sivaliks. It existed parallel to the forest hill resort which built all vernacular structures
utilizing existing trees and establishing a character synonymous to the Sivaliks with access via a
single wooden bridge. It today serves as a model for the localities as to how sensitive built forms
can be built. This makes us think about the need for a balance between the natural environment
and the built environment of such commercial zones. The way the rst project of an area is built
sets the standards to how things likely to be built around that zone in future and hence, it is very
important for such resorts, commercial and residential projects to remain as simple and sensitive
as possible.
In time, the tri-city metropolitan region is expected to grow exponentially. With growth, ecological
zones such as Patiala Ki Rao, will become scarce resources. Amongst these, the Patiala Ki Rao is
one resource, which doesnt just need but demands that its character be maintained.
.
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A Special Proposal
Such areas with special bye laws could function as an architectural lab for others to learn from
and experiment. This will not only help the local dwellings to learn from but give Chandigarh and
other cities a space to study certain types of built methodology. A 50 year old Corbusiers idea has
today turned out to be a tourist attraction and case study for researchers around the world and
to maintain this balance, further innovation can only be possible if such a space is granted to the
tricity, states of Punjab and Haryana so that architects around India can come here and collectively
come up with sustainable design solutions for cities. Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana can later
boast of researches and innovations for the world to follow rather than vice versa. Its need is there
as even though Chandigarh is on the map of architecture, it lacks a vision of research. It continues
to put in systems already existent in other green cities rather than generate its own system and
architecture for others to copy. Since Corbusier and Nek Chand, very little has been done to set an
example for the world to learn from
We believe that land pockets near Patiala ki Rao which we found to be un built property lands can-
not aford to be privatized and should rather be used as an innovative architecture hub maintained
by the government. The government found this land t for solar plant because those patches were
thought to be of little or no use for anything else. Why not develop those stretches as an exper-
imental space for architecture just like Nek Chand used government land for his experiments?
There could be lands not for sale, but where anyone can build anything and have it documented to
be displayed in the Museum of Knowledge once it comes up. Materials reused, mixed and matched
could prove well for architecture, to the city and people around by teaching them how to build
sensitively.
Experimentation of spaces in a
sustainable and innovative way
preservign the ecology at the
same time.