India has been in the spotlight recently due to a major development and transformation in its government architecture. The Prime Minister of India has unveiled a new Parliament building, a significant addition to the Central Vista project. Ensure that you are up-to-date with this change by reading the article below.
The Necessity of a New Parliament Building
The decision to construct a new Parliament building was prompted by several factors. Notably, the old building had limited seating space for Members of Parliament (MPs). Initially, it was not designed to accommodate a bicameral legislature of a fully-fledged democracy. As a result, MPs had to sit closely packed together, causing discomfort and limiting their level of concentration during debates.
The infrastructure was also degraded, with problems such as water seepage affecting the overall aesthetics. Modern facilities like air conditioning, water supply, sewer lines, CCTV cameras, and firefighting equipment caused severe damages over time. A major concern was fire safety, as mentioned officially on the government’s website.
The outdated communication structures and technology were also a significant challenge. On top of that, the acoustics in the halls needed improvement. Moreover, the building, which was constructed when Delhi was categorized under Seismic Zone-II, raises serious safety concerns since the city is now in Seismic Zone-V.
Lastly, workspace for employees is another issue. Over the years, inner service corridors were converted into offices, providing poor-quality workspaces. These makeshift offices grew smaller as sub-partitions were created to accommodate more workers.
Key Features of the New Parliament Building
The new Parliament building is triangular, reflecting the shape of the plot on which it is located. It showcases sacred geometry found in various religions, aligning its design and materials to complement the old structure.
Built using green construction techniques, the new building aims to reduce electricity consumption by 30% compared to the old one. It also incorporates rainwater-harvesting and water-recycling systems, ensuring efficiency and longevity.
The building is structurally designed with safety in mind, as Delhi is situated in Seismic Zone-V. The new Lok Sabha chamber features a peacock theme, with seats increased from 543 to 888, catering for possible future expansions.
Like the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha chamber, decorated with a lotus theme, can now accommodate more MPs, expanding its capacity from 250 to 384. A highlight of the new Parliament building is the Constitution Hall, documenting the journey of Indian democracy.
Material for construction has been sourced from across India, including sandstone from Sarmathura in Dholpur and granite from Lakha village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Craftsmen from Mumbai led the design of the wooden architecture, while traditional hand-knotted carpets were crafted by Bhadohi weavers from Uttar Pradesh.
A bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, initially located at the entrance of the old Parliament, has been moved between the old and new structures. Other national symbols such as the Lion Capital of Ashoka are prominently displayed.
Incorporation of Technology and Art
In keeping with the environmental-friendly focus, all records, including house proceedings, questions, and other business-related matters, are being digitised. Galleries exhibiting textile installations and iconic monuments from across India have been set up.
Auspicious animal statues based on their significance in Indian culture and Vaastu Shastra have also been placed at all entrances. Furthermore, a Foucault pendulum has been installed to demonstrate the rotation of the earth.
Historical Review of the Central Vista
The Central Vista houses prominent landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Block, India Gate, and the National Archives. The idea to shift the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi originated from King George V in December 1911 during a grand assembly known as Delhi Durbar.
The mandate for building a new city was given to Edwin Lutyens, a staunch believer of European Classicism, and Herbert Baker, a famous architect from South Africa. They jointly designed the Parliament House building, while Rashtrapati Bhawan was crafted by Lutyens and the Secretariat by Baker.
