Would like to see Central Vista idea replicated in capitals, but up to states, says Puri in RS

Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri says iconic historic buildings will not be pulled down but those like Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan are substandard and should be demolished.

A model view of Delhi's proposed Central Vista | Twitter

New Delhi: The Centre would like to see replication of the Central Vista project, currently underway in New Delhi, in other state capitals as well, although no demand has come from any state government so far, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri told the Rajya Sabha Wednesday.

“While considering that this will be a very successful project, I am sure, some state governments will draw inspiration and take steps necessary to recommend and integrate all government buildings, different state departments and other subsidiary offices, rather than being scattered all over the state capital,” Puri said. 

He was replying to a question by AIADMK MP A. Vijayakumar on whether there is any proposal to construct an integrated government office complex as an extension of the Central Vista project in other states.  

Puri said states might wish to consider it, but at this stage, that is “hypothetical”.

“Also, given the federal structure of our Constitution, surely, this recommendation would have to come from the state governments. But it is an inspirational question. All I can say for the record and with a sense of responsibility that so far no demand has come from any state government on this specific suggestion.”

The Central Vista Redevelopment project comprises building a new Parliament along with an integrated Central Secretariat, comprising offices of all central ministries. The ten office buildings will come up in four plots along the Central Vista, where currently different ministries are located. The old structures will be demolished to make way for the new buildings.

The minister also said that not a single iconic building, “which is part of our history, culture will be removed”.

‘Krishi Bhawan, Shastri Bhawan substandard buildings’ 

In response to another question from Congress MP Amee Yajnik, Puri said that a false narrative was built that all existing buildings in the vicinity of Central Vista will be demolished. 

“Not a single historical building, not a single iconic building, which is part of our history, culture will be removed…,” Puri said, adding that only buildings like Krishi Bhawan, Nirman Bhawan, which have become substandard, will be demolished.

“Why are you getting so excited? Let me tell you Madam, that if buildings like Krishi Bhawan, buildings like Shastri Bhawan, buildings like Nirman Bhawan have to come down, will you be sorry because you built those buildings and they were substandard buildings and they are not fit for a capital city?”

“ …You built those buildings. We are going to now relocate you into a new Parliament building, where you will have enough place to sit,” he said. 

Puri further said that all offices will be located together and the Central Vista Secretariat will have space for 50,000 people. It will be connected through an underground shuttle tunnel so that transportation becomes very easy. 

New Parliament will be ready to hold 2022 winter session 

Puri informed the House that construction of the new Parliament building is in progress and it will be ready by 2022, in time to hold the winter session and mark the 75th year of independence. 

Once the new Parliament building is ready, the existing Parliament building will have to be “repaired… and made available for alternate uses”, the minister said. 

Puri said that at this point of time, no comprehensive thought has been given as to what precise use the old Parliament building would be put to. 

“Several suggestions keep coming, including that there should be an institute of democratic or parliamentary style. These are merely suggestions. No decisions have been taken…,” the minister said. 

Puri said the Central Vista Project is an ambitious and long overdue project. 

“It was hinted at when late Shri Rajiv Gandhi was the prime minister and also when Shrimati Meira Kumar was the presiding officer of the Lok Sabha,” he added.

(Edited by Debalina Dey)