From its unique design to its state-of-the-art technology, the New Parliament Building of India is a marvel of modern engineering.
Let’s explore this architectural wonder today.
Before going to the article, let’s have a look at the Indian Parliament.
Indian Parliament
India’s Parliament is a symbol of the nation’s democratic system, having withstood the country’s struggle for independence and played host to numerous historic events.
As the country’s first Parliament, the current building holds significant cultural and national value, having witnessed the adoption of the Constitution of India.
Designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, the Colonial-era building was originally the Council House, housing the Imperial Legislative Council. In 1956, two additional floors were added to accommodate more space, and in 2006, the Parliament Museum was opened to showcase India’s rich democratic heritage spanning over 2,500 years. Despite being modified over the years to suit modern requirements, the building is now outdated and in need of renovation.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Indian Parliament Building is expected to undergo a major upgrade, with a new building that covers an area of 64,500 square meters and accommodates up to 1,200 individuals.
The current Parliament House building, which was commissioned in 1927, is almost a century old and its age is showing.
Modifications have been done in an ad-hoc manner, leading to a cramped and cumbersome seating arrangement for MPs. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why a new Parliament building is necessary and its design and architecture with modern amenities available.
Location: Sansad Marg, New Delhi
Construction Started on: 10 December 2020
Cost of Construction: Rs. 862 crore
Height: 39.6metres
Seating Capacity: 1272 (Lok Sabha Chamber – 888 & Rajya Sabha Chamber – 384)
Inauguration: 28 May 2023
Reasons Why A New Parliament Building Is Necessary
Infrastructure and Safety Concerns:
The infrastructure of the current Parliament House building is outdated, with numerous safety concerns, including fire hazards. The building is not designed according to present fire safety norms, which is a major concern. There is also a lack of workspace for employees.
Seating Arrangement:
Modifications to the current Parliament House building have been done in an ad-hoc manner, leading to a cramped and cumbersome seating arrangement for MPs. The seating arrangement is not conducive to productive discussions and debates.
Technology and Communications Infrastructure:
The communications infrastructure and technology of the current Parliament House building are antiquated. This means that communication and data transfer is slow and inefficient. This can lead to delays and errors in important parliamentary proceedings.
Space and Amenities:
The current Parliament House building is no longer sufficient to accommodate the needs of the Indian Parliament. The new building will provide ample space to accommodate up to 1,200 individuals and will have modern amenities to ensure that MPs and employees are comfortable and productive.
New Parliament Building
The construction of the new Indian Parliament Building has been a topic of discussion and debate in the country for quite some time now.
The Indian government has initiated this project to provide lawmakers with a modern facility to carry out their duties effectively.
The building is expected to be a blend of traditional Indian architecture and modern design, incorporating eco-friendly features.
The construction is estimated to cost around Rs 971 crore and is expected to be completed by 2022.
While some have criticized the project, the government emphasizes the importance of providing lawmakers with a modern facility to carry out their duties effectively. The new building will be a symbol of India’s progress and commitment to democracy.
Location and Amenities:
The new Parliament building will be constructed on a plot of land located just behind the existing Parliament building. The land was previously occupied by several government offices and residential quarters, which have been demolished to make way for the new Parliament Building.
The upcoming Indian Parliament Building is expected to cover a vast area of about 64,500 square meters, providing ample space to accommodate up to 1,200 individuals.
The building will have all the necessary amenities required for lawmakers to carry out their duties effectively, including committee rooms, a library, a media center, and an extensive parking area.
Design and Architecture:
The design of the new Indian Parliament Building will be a fusion of traditional Indian architecture and modern design.
The building will have a circular shape, which is inspired by the shape of the Ashoka Chakra, the national emblem of India.
The building will have a total of six floors, including four floors above ground and two floors below ground.
The building will be constructed using modern construction techniques, and the facade will be made of sandstone, which is a traditional building material used in India.
The interior of the building will be designed to reflect India’s diverse cultural heritage, with each room showcasing a different aspect of Indian culture and history.
Eco-Friendly Features:
The new Indian Parliament Building will incorporate several eco-friendly features, including rainwater harvesting, solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting.
The building will also have a green roof, which will help to regulate the temperature inside the building and reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling.
The building will also have a sewage treatment plant, which will treat the wastewater generated by the building and reuse it for non-potable purposes.
Criticism and Response:
While the construction of the new Parliament building has been welcomed by many, there has also been criticism of the project. Some have argued that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as poverty and unemployment, rather than spending such a large amount of money on a new building. Others have criticized the government for not consulting the public before initiating the project.
In response to the criticism, the government has emphasized the importance of providing lawmakers with a modern facility to carry out their duties effectively.
The government has also stated that the construction of the building will create jobs and boost the economy.
The government has also clarified that the project has been approved by the relevant authorities and that all necessary permissions have been obtained.
Conclusion:
The new Parliament building is necessary to meet current requirements in terms of space, amenities, and technology.
The current building is outdated, with numerous safety concerns, outdated infrastructure and technology, and a cramped seating arrangement.
The new building will provide a modern, safe, and comfortable environment for MPs and employees to carry out their important work.
The new Indian Parliament Building is an ambitious project that aims to provide lawmakers with a modern facility to carry out their duties effectively. The building will be a blend of traditional Indian architecture and modern design, incorporating eco-friendly features. While the project has been criticized by some, the government emphasizes the importance of providing lawmakers with a modern facility to carry out their duties effectively. The new building will be a symbol of India’s progress and commitment to democracy.
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