Supreme Court reserves verdict on PILs against Central Vista

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 5

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on PILs challenging various permissions given by the authorities for redevelopment of Central Vista in Lutyens’ Delhi.

The Central Vista redevelopment plan, which aims to free up 75 acre land in the heart of the capital, involves demolition of around 10 buildings, including Shastri Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Vigyan Bhawan, Vice-President’s House and Lok Nayak Bhawan.

Announced in September last year, it envisages a new triangular Parliament building, with seating capacity for 900 to 1,200 MPs, expected to be constructed by August 2022 when the country will be celebrating its 75th Independence Day. The common Central Secretariat is likely to be built by 2024.

Gujarat-based architecture firm HCP Design, Planning and Management Pvt Ltd has won the consultancy bid for the ambitious project to redevelop the Central Vista to construct a common central secretariat complex and a new Parliament building. A Bench asked the parties to file written submissions by November 16.