Complete Static GK 2026 : Chandigarh

Chandigarh: The City Beautiful – Ultimate Static & Current G.K. Guide (2026)

Known as India’s first planned city and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a masterpiece of urban design and political intrigue. For students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, or State-level exams (PPSC/HPSC), Chandigarh’s unique administrative status and its push towards becoming a “Model Solar City” make it a high-yield topic. As of January 19, 2026, the city is setting national benchmarks with its massive rooftop solar initiatives and a pilot project for a unified digital land record system.

This blog post provides a meticulously updated repository of Chandigarh’s administrative, geographical, and cultural facts for the 2026 competitive exam cycle.

1. Administrative Hub & Leadership (2026)

Chandigarh is a Union Territory (UT) governed directly by the Central Government through an Administrator.

• Capital (राजधानी): Chandigarh (Self-contained UT)

• Chief Minister (मुख्यमंत्री): None (UTs without legislatures do not have a CM; the city is governed by the Administrator).

• Administrator (प्रशासक): Shri Gulab Chand Kataria (Sworn in July 2024, currently serving as the 37th Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh).

• Adviser to the Administrator: Shri Rajeev Verma (IAS).

• Formation (स्थापना): 1 November 1966 (following the Punjab Reorganisation Act).

2. Judicial Structure: Punjab & Haryana High Court

• High Court: High Court of Punjab and Haryana (located in Sector 1, Chandigarh).

• Chief Justice (मुख्य न्यायाधीश): Justice Sheel Nagu (Sworn in July 9, 2024).

3. Geographical & Demographic Profile (2026 Estimates)

The city’s layout was designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, based on the concept of a human body.

4. Legislative Structure

• Legislative Assembly (विधानसभा): No Assembly (The city is a Union Territory without its own legislature).

• Lower House (लोक सभा): 1 Seat (Currently represented by Manish Tewari).

• Upper House (राज्यसभा): No Seat (UTs without a legislature generally lack representation in the Rajya Sabha).

5. Hydrology: Lakes and Waterways

Chandigarh is bounded by two seasonal torrents: the Sukhna Choe and the Patiali Ki Rao.

• Lake (झील): Sukhna Lake (Sector 1). It is an artificial rain-fed lake created in 1958.

• River (नदी): Ghaggar River (flows near the periphery).

• Dam (बांध): Sukhna Dam (regulates the water of the lake).

6. Culture & Heritage

• Language (भाषा): English (Official), Hindi, and Punjabi.

• Festivals (त्यौहार): Rose Festival (Feb/March), Mango Festival, and Chandigarh Carnival.

• Folk Dance (लोक नृत्य): Gidha and Bhangra (due to cultural overlap with Punjab).

• Unique Landmark: Rock Garden, created by Nek Chand using industrial and home waste.

7. Environmental Heritage: Wildlife & Parks

• Wildlife Sanctuaries:

  1. Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (Spanning ~26 sq. km in the Shivalik hills).

  2. City Bird Sanctuary (Parrot Bird Sanctuary, Sector 21).

• National Park: None (The city focuses on Biodiversity Parks).

• State Symbols:

  • Animal: Indian Grey Mongoose.

  • Bird: Indian Grey Hornbill.

  • Tree: Mango Tree.

8. Energy Sector: The Solar Transition (2026)

Chandigarh is being developed as a “Model Solar City” by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

• Power Generation: Chandigarh does not have its own thermal or nuclear power plants; it draws power from the central grid.

• Solar Power (सौर ऊर्जा): * PM Surya Ghar Scheme: In January 2026, the administration accelerated the push for “Zero Electricity Bills” through rooftop solar.

  • Floating Solar Plant: North India’s largest floating solar project (2,000 kWp) is located at Dhanas Lake.

  • Canal-top Solar: Power is also generated via solar panels installed over the N-Choe and Patiali Ki Rao.

9. Current Affairs Highlights (January 2026)

• Unified Land Records: UT Chandigarh was selected as a pilot location in January 2026 for a unified digital platform integrating all land records under the Ministry of Rural Development.

• Education: The Department of Education launched the online admission process for the 2026-27 session on January 19, 2026, for EWS and disadvantaged groups.

• Sustainability: Chandigarh achieved the milestone of solarizing over 6,600 government buildings by late 2025/early 2026, totaling over 52 MW of capacity.

Conclusion

Chandigarh’s identity in 2026 is defined by its transition from a bureaucratic hub to a green, tech-enabled urban center. For your exams, remember the role of Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, the significance of the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, and the city’s leadership in the PM Surya Ghar initiative.