Shocking pictures of the ravaged paths leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate have emerged, in which the distinct, century old Jamun Trees, several British-era Lamp Posts, and other structures and trees are missing, making netizens explode in anger and sorrow.
In the picture of the path leading to India Gate, a barren road with dug up paths on the side is seen, where several trees and British-Era lamp posts are seen missing. The air which was once clean is full of dust and the vibrant colours of the Central Vista is replaced by dull browns and greys, the colours of construction.
In the other picture where the road leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan (Residence of the President of India) is shown, barricades are shown, which a crane lifts a huge mound of mud. The road is almost entirely dug up.
The construction and redevelopment project has been enlisted as an ‘essential service’ so that the construction work can continue during the lockdown imposed by the Government of Delhi.
- Both areas are currently completely inaccessible to the public.
- The total cost of the project is estimated to be about 13,560 crores.
The Central Vista Redevelopment Project
In 2019, the Union Government announced the Central Vista Redevelopment Project, a project to renovate and construct new buildings in the Central Vista, India’s Central Administrative Location situated near Raisina Hill.
The plan included construction of:
- New Office and Residence for the Prime Minister and Vice President of India.
- A new Parliamentary Building right next to the old Parliament.
- Relocation of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts
- Demolition of Vigyan Bhavan and construction of a new Central Conference