The Centre approved the land use change for execution of its ambitious Central Vista redevelopment project in Lutyens' Delhi with the issuance of a notification on Friday, 20 March, reports PTI.
The notification was issued by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
The redevelopment project of Central Vista – the nation's power corridor – envisages a triangular Parliament building next to the existing one, common Central Secretariat and revamping of the 3-km-long Rajpath – from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate.
The Delhi Development Authority's decision to change the land use in December 2019, had led to 1,292 objections from the public. According to the notification published by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, these objections were considered by the DDA and the change in land use notified "after carefully considering all aspects of the matter."
What the Change in Land Use Means for Delhi’s Public
The new Parliament House building will come up on a 9.5-acre land near the existing building. Earlier, the plot was meant for development of a district park.
Architects as well as environments have objected to the change in land use for the new Parliament – arguing that such a move would reduce public space in Central Vista. For instance, the site where the new Parliament will be built was earlier marked for "recreational use." Similarly, under the notified land use changes, four plots earlier marked for "public and semi-public use" have been changed to "government office". However, in a statement, the Ministry has stated that it will ensure that "green areas and public and semi-public spaces are adequately compensated or enhanced," reports The Hindu.
According to sources, the prime minister’s residence and office are likely to be shifted near the South Block and vice-president’s new house will be in the vicinity of the North Block.
According to the notification, a residential complex will be developed in the north direction of South Block and another in the south of the Dalhousie Road, paving the way for shifting of the prime minister office and residence.
"The eastern part of the South Block and the west direction of the Rashtrapati Bhavan will have residential complex," a government official said.
How is Central Vista Revamp Going to Change Delhi?
Sources said that the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) is also likely to be shifted.
According to the proposed plan, the IGNCA building and other nine others including Udyog Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, Shashtri Bhawan, vice-president's residence and are likely to be demolished to pave the way for the construction of a common Central Secretariat to house various ministries.
The common Central Secretariat is likely to comprise 10 buildings, four on each side of the Central Vista. Each building will have eight floors, which will house various ministries, sources said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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