The recent opposition from a multitude of former bureaucrats to the Central Vista redevelopment project has caused quite a stir within the public sphere. This contentious plan, put forth by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019, raises several questions regarding the future landscape of India’s central hub. This project encompasses numerous elements, including constructing a new Parliament building, overhauling the 3-kilometer Rajpath stretch, and re-imagining existing structures as museums. The government has given its reasons for these changes, sparking both support and critique. Below are the key points of this significant development.
Central Vista Redevelopment Project: An Overview
Introduced by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Central Vista redevelopment project appeared on the scene in 2019. The project envisions a suite of changes: erecting a triangular Parliament edifice adjacent to the existing one, creating a common Central Secretariat, revamping the three-kilometer-long Rajpath that extends from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate, and repurposing the North and South Blocks as museums.
Government’s Reasoning for Revamping Central Vista
The government’s rationale for this major overhaul stems from a few primary concerns. Firstly, there is a consensus that the Parliament building’s infrastructure and facilities are insufficient to cater to the current demands. Secondly, the offices of the Central Government are scattered across various locations, resulting in ineffective inter-departmental coordination and unnecessary travel, leads to traffic congestion and pollution. Lastly, most of the existing buildings have exceeded their structural lifespan and are in dire need of renovation or replacement.
Historical Significance of Central Vista
At present, New Delhi’s Central Vista houses prominent landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Block, India Gate, and the National Archives. This area holds immense historical significance, tracing back to December 1911 when King George V proclaimed the shift of India’s capital from Calcutta to Delhi during the grand Delhi Durbar assembly.
This event paved the way for the construction of a new city, a task entrusted to renowned architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker. Known for his proclivity for European Classicism, Lutyens is credited with designing the Rashtrapati Bhavan while Baker, famous for his architectural work in South Africa, designed the Secretariat, which includes both North and South Blocks.
Architectural Marvels of Central Vista
While Lutyens and Baker were both instrumental in shaping Central Vista, their collective influence can be seen in the Parliament House building, a project they collaborated on. The Union Buildings at Pretoria in South Africa, another one of Baker’s significant contributions, further illustrates the remarkable caliber and architectural prowess that went into designing the Central Vista.
The Central Vista redevelopment project, therefore, is not just about restructuring buildings; it’s about reshaping a significant piece of Indian history. The concerns raised by former bureaucrats provide a valid counterpoint to the government’s arguments, reflecting the complexity of this situation. This issue merits careful thought and open dialogue, striking a balance between modern infrastructure needs and preserving historical legacy.
