The New Parliament Building, also known as the New Sansad Bhawan, is a proposed iconic structure that will replace the existing Parliament House in India’s capital city, New Delhi. The new building is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which aims to revamp the heart of the city and create a modern, efficient government complex. The New Parliament Building will feature state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, while also reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage through its design and architecture. The project has generated considerable debate and controversy, with some questioning its cost and environmental impact, while others see it as a much-needed symbol of India’s progress and modernization.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the Progress of the New Parliament Building (Sansad Bhawan) under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. As one of the most important components of the Central Vista redevelopment project, the new building aims to create a modern and efficient government complex that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage.
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New Parliament Building Project Overview
The New Parliament Building, also known as the New Sansad Bhawan, is a key component of the Central Vista redevelopment project in New Delhi. The project aims to create a modern and efficient government complex that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage.
The new building will replace the existing Parliament House with New Parliament House and will feature state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology. Construction work began in December 2020, and the building is expected to be completed by August 2023 (Tentative).
Importance of the Project for the Nation
The Parliament House is the seat of India’s democracy and has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape over the years. With the new building, India’s lawmakers will have access to modern amenities and technologies that will enhance the efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.
The building will also serve as a symbol of India’s progress and modernization, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage and its commitment to excellence.
Historical Significance of the Central Vista
Central Vista is a stretch of land in New Delhi that has a deep historical significance for India. The area is home to several iconic buildings and landmarks, including the Parliament House, the Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace), and India Gate.
These buildings represent India’s rich cultural heritage and are important symbols of the country’s identity. Central Vista has been witness to several historic events in India’s history, such as the Indian Independence Day celebrations and the Republic Day parade.
Central Vista Redevelopment Project
The Central Vista redevelopment project aims to create a cohesive and integrated complex that will preserve and enhance the landmarks in Central Vista for future generations. The project includes the construction of several new government buildings, public spaces, and parks.
The project has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with some questioning its cost and environmental impact, while others see it as a much-needed symbol of India’s progress and modernization.
Design and Features of the New Sansad Bhawan
The design of the New Parliament House Building is inspired by India’s rich architectural heritage, and it features a blend of modern and traditional elements. The building is circular in shape and is designed to be highly energy-efficient and sustainable.
The New Sansad Bhawan Building will feature advanced technologies, such as facial recognition systems and digital voting systems, to enhance the efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.
Architecture & Construction of New Parliament Building
The design of the New Parliament Building is inspired by the Chakra, a symbol of India’s independence and sovereignty. The circular shape of the building represents the idea of continuity and inclusiveness.
The building is spread across an area of 64,500 square meters and has a total floor area of 60,000 square meters. The building has four floors and a basement, and it is designed to accommodate around 1,224 people, including lawmakers, staff, and visitors.
Highlights of Features and Facilities of the New Building
The New Parliament Building features several state-of-the-art facilities and technologies that enhance the efficiency of parliamentary proceedings. The New Sansad Bhawan Building has several committee rooms, chambers, and offices for lawmakers and staff.
It is equipped with advanced technologies, such as facial recognition systems and digital voting systems, that enable faster and more accurate decision-making. The building is also designed to be highly energy-efficient, with a focus on reducing carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.
Comparison with Old Parliament House (Sansad Bhawan)
The New Parliament Building is a significant upgrade from the old Parliament House in terms of facilities, technology, and sustainability. The old Parliament House was built in the 1920s and lacked modern amenities and technologies.
It had limited space for lawmakers and staff, which often led to overcrowding and inefficiency. The old building was also not designed to be energy-efficient, which resulted in high energy bills and a carbon footprint.
In contrast, the New Sansad Bhawan Building is designed to be highly energy-efficient and sustainable. It is equipped with advanced technologies that enhance the efficiency of parliamentary proceedings.
The building also has ample space for lawmakers and staff, which enables smoother and more efficient functioning of parliamentary proceedings. The New Parliament Building is a blend of modern and traditional architecture that reflects India’s rich cultural heritage.
Sustainability & Eco-friendliness of New Parliament Building
The New Parliament Building, also known as the New Sansad Bhawan, is a model of sustainability and eco-friendliness. The building is designed to reduce its environmental impact while providing a comfortable and efficient working environment for lawmakers and staff. In this section, we will discuss the sustainable features of the New Parliament Building, its eco-friendly features, and the significance of sustainability in modern architecture.
Sustainable Features of New Parliament Building
The New Parliament Building incorporates several sustainable features that reduce its environmental impact. One of the most significant features is the use of renewable energy sources. The New Sansad Bhawan building has a rooftop solar power plant that generates electricity from the sun, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. The building also uses energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, which reduce its energy consumption.
The New Sansad Bhawan building is designed to maximize the use of natural light, which reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day. The building’s orientation and shading systems help to control the amount of sunlight that enters the building, reducing the need for cooling systems.
The building also incorporates rainwater harvesting systems, which collect rainwater and use it for landscaping and other non-potable uses. This helps to reduce the building’s water consumption and promotes water conservation.
Eco-friendly Features of the Building
The New Parliament Building has several eco-friendly features that reduce its environmental impact. The building is constructed using eco-friendly materials, such as recycled steel and concrete, which reduce the amount of waste generated during construction. The building’s landscaping is designed to promote biodiversity, with several trees and plants that provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
The New Sansad Bhawan building also has a waste management system that promotes recycling and composting. The building’s cafeteria uses eco-friendly utensils and plates, and food waste is composted.
Significance of Sustainability in Modern Architecture
Sustainability has become a critical consideration in modern architecture, as buildings account for a significant portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Buildings that are designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable can significantly reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable development.
Sustainable buildings not only reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but they also provide a healthier and more comfortable working environment for occupants. Buildings that use natural light and ventilation, for example, can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Timeline and Status of New Sansad Bhawan Project
The New Parliament Building (New Sansad Bhawan) is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, which aims to create a new administrative hub for the Indian government.
In this section, we will discuss the brief history of the project and the New Sansad Building timeline, the updates on the construction progress and completion date, and the challenges faced during the construction of the building.
History of Central Vista Redevelopment Project & Timeline
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project was first proposed in 2019, with the aim of transforming the 3.2-kilometer stretch from Rashtrapati Bhavan to India Gate into a new administrative hub. The project includes the construction of several new buildings, including the New Parliament Building.
The foundation stone for the New Parliament Building was laid on December 10, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The project is being executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and is expected to be completed by 2022.
Updates on Construction Progress & Completion Date
The construction of the New Parliament Building is progressing at a steady pace, and the project is on track to be completed by the end of August 2023 (Tentative). According to the latest updates, the construction of the building’s steel structure has been completed, and work on the interior and exterior finishes is underway.
The building’s landscaping is also in progress, with several trees and plants being planted around the building. The construction of the building’s parking facilities is also underway.
Challenges Faced During Construction of New Sansad Bhawan
The construction of the New Parliament Building has not been without its challenges. One of the main challenges faced during the construction was the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a shortage of labor and disrupted the supply chain of construction materials.
Another challenge faced during the construction was the tight timeline for completion. The project was fast-tracked to meet the deadline for the Indian government’s 75th Independence Day celebrations in 2022, which put pressure on the contractors to complete the project on time but it is still in progress.
Controversy & Criticism of New Parliament Bulding
The New Parliament Building (New Sansad Bhawan) under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project has been mired in controversy and criticism since its inception. In this section, we will provide an overview of the criticism and controversy surrounding the project, the opinions of critics and opposition parties, and the response of the government to the criticism.
Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the Project
Critics of the project have raised concerns about its cost, environmental impact, and lack of transparency. The estimated cost of the project is over Rs. 20,000 crore, which many critics have argued is an unnecessary expense at a time when the country is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn.
Environmentalists have criticized the project for its impact on the environment. The project involves the felling of over 16,000 trees in the Central Vista area, which has raised concerns about the ecological impact of the project.
Critics have also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the project. The project has been accused of bypassing mandatory environmental and heritage clearances, and there have been allegations of corruption and cronyism in the awarding of contracts for the project.
Opinions of Critics & Opposition Parties About New Sansad
Opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism of the project, with several parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, calling for the project to be scrapped. Critics have argued that the money could be better spent on healthcare, education, and other social welfare programs.
Environmentalists and heritage activists have also criticized the project, with many arguing that it will irreversibly damage the ecology and heritage of the Central Vista area.
Response of the Government to New Sansand Criticism
The government has defended the project, arguing that it is necessary to create a new administrative hub for the Indian government. The government has also emphasized the project’s sustainability features and argued that it will create job opportunities and boost the economy.
In response to the criticism of the environmental impact of the project, the government has stated that it will plant more trees than the ones being felled and create more green spaces in the area.
The government has also defended the lack of transparency in the project, arguing that all necessary clearances have been obtained and that the project is being carried out with the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
Important Links to Know More About New Parliament House
Here are some important links related to the New Parliament Building (New Sansad Bhawan) under the Central Vista Redevelopment Project:
- Official website of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project: https://centralvistaredevelopment.nic.in/
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs website: https://mohua.gov.in/
- Detailed project report for the Central Vista Redevelopment Project: https://centralvistaredevelopment.nic.in/PDFs/DPR-English.pdf