India, March 16 -- Chandigarh, India's first planned city, was once synonymous with seamless mobility and well-ordered streets. However, in recent years, it has begun to mirror Delhi's traffic congestion, with long queues of vehicles, shrinking parking spaces and gridlocked roads.

Designed by Le Corbusier as a city that prioritised open spaces and smooth transport, Chandigarh now struggles under the weight of its own success. As its population and vehicle ownership surge, the city faces a crucial challenge: how to accommodate modern growth while retaining its essence.

The legal dispute over the Rock Garden, a cherished landmark created by Nek Chand, has further highlighted the tension between urban expansion and heritage preservation. A...