The central government has decided to build an ‘iconic structure’ called the ‘Nav Bharat Udyan’, or New India Garden, along the bank of the Yamuna River that stretches over 22 acres to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence.
The Central Department of Public Works (CPWD) launched a design competition for the new structure.
The Center has decided to double the length of the Central View from 2.9 km to 6.3 km, beyond the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the Mother Teresa Crescent in the west and from the Gateway of India to the banks of the Yamuna River in the East.
According to the CPWD proposal presented today, the structure is being built to “realize the grand vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, symbolizing the emerging new India with equitable growth opportunities, rooted in the values of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas and representing the aspiration of cleanliness India, free from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and castes ”.
The Hindustan Times had first reported on the Center’s plans to extend Central View on January 16. The ‘iconic structure’ is planned to be built and dedicated to the nation by August 15, 2022, providing a lead time of approximately one year for the project. .
The CPWD proposal says that the ‘iconic structure’ must be built with materials and technology that last centuries, such as “the Ashoka edicts, the iron pillar in the Qutub Minar complex, etc.” It should be robust and resist the vagaries of nature and remain so for millennia to represent the current era, he added.
“Under the Master Plan, the Central Vista Axis will extend from the current 2.9 km to 6.3 km from crest to river. On the east side, it will culminate on the western bank of the Yamuna River. This will restore the original design planned for Central Vista, ”said CPWD’s proposal.
Spread over 20.22 acres, Nav Bharat Udyan will be open to the public and is being designed to have an iconic structure and infotainment facilities such as Sphere of Unity, Milestones Walkway, Journey of India, Tech Dome, Amphitheater, public services, etc. to showcase India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, scientific achievements and will symbolize the unity in diversity and aspirations of New India, ”he added.
According to the rules of the design contest, any Indian citizen or organization can participate. It will include architects, architecture firms, students, student groups, architecture or planning schools / colleges, and other institutions across India, or any combination of the above. All submissions must be made before December 11, while winners will be announced in the last week of December 2020.
“The structure must have an iconic design and represent the national capital. For example, the British-erected India Gate in Central View in the early 20th century prominently signifies Delhi. The proposed iconic structure being built in independent India should now become a new symbol of the national capital, ”said CPWD’s proposal.
The central axis of the View begins at Rashtrapati Bhawan, moves on the center line between the North and South Blocks and Rajpath and culminates at the Gateway of India. The iconic structure must line up exactly on this central axis, per the design contest rules. It will be located on the western bank of the Yamuna River. Therefore, the foundation must be located in sandy soil with a high water table.
“The iconic structure must represent the values and aspirations of New India, which is clean and free from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and castes. It can further symbolize new developments like digital India, empowered India, fit India, etc. along with energy, dynamism and a transforming spirit. The iconic structure must be built with indigenous materials, to realize the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, ”said the CPWD proposal.
The structure can also be a tower / sculpture or any other shape besides a building to be occupied, according to the rules.
The maximum height allowed at the proposed site according to the color-coded zonal map prepared by the Airports Authority of India is 134 meters from current ground level.
The Central Vista redevelopment plan, run by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, involves having a new Parliament by India’s 75th Independence Day in 2022, and the entire project is scheduled to be completed by 2024.
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