The Central Government of India is presently defending an ambitious plan to construct a new Parliament building under the ‘Central Vista Redevelopment’ project, in the Supreme Court. The proposition has sparked controversy, with opponents questioning the necessity of the structure and whether it would be feasible to refurbish the current Parliament building.
Understanding the Central Vista Redevelopment Project
In 2019, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs proposed the Central Vista project. Furthermore, the redesigned area will feature a Common Central Secretariat and an overhauled 3-km stretch of Rajpath extending from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate. The North and South Blocks which currently house various government offices will be repurposed as museums. Today, New Delhi’s Central Vista is home to the President’s residence, the Parliament House, the North and South Blocks, India Gate, and National Archives among others.
The Government’s Justifications for the New Parliament Building
The Government emphasizes that the choice for a new Parliament building is a policy decision within its rights to make. The existing building is suffering significant strain, which necessitates a new Parliament complex and central secretariat, argues the Centre. Various reasons were provided by the government to validate this project, as detailed below.
The Current Building’s Limitations
The present Parliament building, constructed in 1927, was designed to host the legislative council and was not meant for a bicameral legislature that India possesses today. With impending plans to increase the number of seats in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, this building will face further strain.
Safety and Security Concerns
Safety standards are reportedly not met by the existing Parliament building. There are issues with water and sewer lines; these are said to be haphazard and harmful to the structure’s heritage quality. Moreover, following the 2001 Parliament attack, there have been security concerns about the building’s vulnerability. The building is also not earthquake-resistant.
Financial and Environmental Advantages of the New Building
The new Parliament building will house numerous central ministries that are currently scattered across different buildings. Consequently, the government claims this would cut rental costs significantly. Additionally, by reducing officials’ need to move between scattered department buildings, this project could reduce traffic and pollution in the city. The plan includes linking metro stations to further minimize vehicle use, thereby contributing to environmental benefits.
Criticism of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project
Despite these justifications, the project has been criticized by the Opposition, environmentalists, architects, and citizens alike. There have been questions about whether enough studies have been conducted to ascertain the necessity for the project and its potential effect on the environment, traffic, and pollution. Critics have also alleged a lack of transparency, stating that key approvals for the proposed Parliament building were fast-tracked during the COVID-19 lockdown.
A common argument made by critics is that in light of the economic strain caused by the pandemic, this project should be deferred as the nation cannot afford it at this time.
