In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure in North India, the Chandigarh administration has granted crucial environment clearance (EC) to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) for its ambitious new critical care block. This approval, issued last week, removes a major hurdle for the ₹200-crore state-of-the-art facility, which is being closely monitored by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) under the Ayushman Bharat initiative.
Navigating Environmental Safeguards for a Vital Project
The environment clearance followed a rigorous assessment process to ensure the project's full compliance with environmental norms during its construction and operational phases. Officials confirmed that the environment and pollution departments, in coordination with central authorities, will maintain strict oversight on all construction activities until the building is fully functional.
Key environmental considerations that were reviewed included the project's proximity to eco-sensitive zones like the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sukhna Bird Sanctuary. The clearance process mandated detailed plans for preserving existing greenery and implementing robust measures for the protection of air, water, and soil in the area. Comprehensive waste management strategies, covering both solid and medical waste disposal, along with the installation of dedicated sewage and effluent treatment plants, were integral parts of the approved plan.
Building Plan and Project Specifications
This environmental approval comes shortly after the Chandigarh planning department cleared the building plan for this massive project. The plan, vetted under the provisions of the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031, spans a total area of 24,000 square metres, which includes a 5,000 square metre basement. The clearance addressed critical aspects such as the floor area ratio (FAR), provisions for parking, and circulation space within the facility.
The critical care block is designed to be a healthcare powerhouse. It will house 184 beds and be equipped with the latest medical technologies, including advanced Intensive Care Units (ICUs), specialized isolation centres, and modern surgical units. Recognizing the chronic parking issues at the institute, the plan has given special attention to this aspect. A multi-level paid parking facility is already under construction at PGIMER to accommodate the increased traffic.
A Boost for Public Healthcare in the Region
The grant of environment clearance marks a pivotal step towards realizing PGIMER's vision of enhancing its critical care capabilities. The block is expected to significantly augment the institute's capacity to handle complex medical cases and emergencies, serving a large population from across North India. With the regulatory clearances now in place, the project is poised to move forward, promising to deliver world-class emergency and critical care services under the public health umbrella.
The project underscores a focused effort to strengthen public health infrastructure, aligning with national goals. The continuous monitoring promised by the environment departments ensures that this development progresses without compromising the ecological balance of the region, particularly the nearby sanctuaries.
