On 28 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s new Parliament building and puja and multi-faith prayer was held at the event. Also, the building the new parliament is part of the Modi government’s Central Vista project.
During the inauguration, PM installed a ‘Sengol’ near the chair of the Lok Sabha Speaker and unveiled the commemorative plaque and performed the “Ganapati Homam” in his traditional attire along with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Narendra Modi shares photos and videos of the new Parliament of India on social media handles. Also, Actor Shah Rukh Khan said the ‘new parliament building for a new India but with the age-old dream of Glory of India’
Here, we will find out the different things about India’s new parliament. And, facts like how much it cost and who designed it so well. Before moving further, it is important to know that a new building is constructed to complement the old Parliament. Both will function as one. Keep reading the full article to know more.
Table of Contents
9 things about Central Vista Project-India’s New Parliament building
1. Building Design
The construction of the new building was started in 2019 and it is designed by architect Bimal Patel. Also, the Tata Group constructed it at the cost of Rs. 971 Cr, though the cost increased with time. Talking about its shape – It is built in a triangular plot and so is the shape. Moreover, the shape is also designed in sacred geometry in different faiths.
The new building includes three ceremonial entrances for the President, the Vice-President, the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Prime Minister. However, the entrance for the public (including visitors to the Parliament tour) shall be on the Parliament Street side near the Press Trust of India building.
2. Cost of Building
The final cost of the new Parliament is not announced yet but the past contracts and deals reflect that– Initially, Tata Projects took the contract at Rs. 861 crore. But later the cost increased to Rs 971 crore. Later, the cost increased up to 1,200 crore. As the Rs 200 crore used for the artwork was obtained by the Culture Ministry of India.
3. Three Storeys Building
The new parliament is three storeys tall and spread over an area of 64,500 square metres. Further, the existing number of seats in the old complex is 543 whereas the Lok Sabha chamber now consists of 888 seats.
The Lok Sabha will be used for a joint sitting of both houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) in the absence of Central Hall. As there is capacity to expand the seats up to 1,272 in Lok Sabha.
4. Environment Friendly
The new building will be capable of reducing electricity consumption by 30%. It also adopted rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems to use resources sustainably. Besides, it is built in a manner to function for the next 150 years. As per the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the new parliament is built using green construction techniques.
5. Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha
A very beautiful theme has been set for the Lok Sabha Chamber- a Peacock theme. Birds’ feathers are carved on the chamber walls and ceiling. Rajya Sabha is made with the theme of the national flower – the Lotus. In Rajya Sabha, 384 seating arrangements are there. The capacity of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha is increased to avoid any future problems if the number of Members of Parliament increases.
Besides, in the Central Vista project (India’s new parliament), there are a total of six new committee rooms whereas the old building has only three. Also, there are 92 office spaces for the Council of Ministers. The new building takes care of the Members of Parliament in terms of providing facilities. All the MPs will be given facilities in the dining hall, library, and lounge.
6. Building Material Brought in from Across India
Materials like sandstone are brought from Sarmathura in Dholpur. Similarly, granite from Lakha village in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan and wood from Nagpur. And, the craftsmen brought in from Mumbai to do the work of wooden architecture.
This way, the construction of India’s new Parliament is done through the hands of the whole of India. The hand-knotted carpets are made by weavers from Uttar Pradesh.
7. Building Includes National Emblem
The best thing about this new Parliament is it includes the National Emblem- the Lion Capital of Ashoka. This bronze sculpture is 6.5 metres tall and weighs 9,500 kg and it is quite visible from a distance. In addition, the Ashoka Chakra and the phrase ‘Satyameva Jayate’ are carved on the entrance.
According to the importance of vaastu shastra, guardian animal statues will be installed at all the entrances. The elephant, the horse, the eagle, and the swan will become part of these statues. And, mythical creatures like Shardula and Makara will also be installed.
8. Mahatma Gandhi Statue
The Mahatma Gandhi statue will remain located on the lawn between the old Parliament and new Parliament. Further, this statue was built at the entrance of Parliament in 1993 by sculptor Ram V Sutar (awarded with Padma Bhusan). Now, it has been shifted near the entrance used by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
9. Digitisation
The new parliament will also run according to the changes in the world and technology. All the records like house proceedings and questions are being digitised. Moreover, tablets and iPads are included for the work in parliament.
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These were the nine things that you should know about Central Vista project (India’s new Parliament). There is one more fact- This plot was first supposed to be used for recreational purposes and later on-site adapted for building a new Parliament. Before construction, it was entirely used for parking for the Parliament complex. As per Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the land idea changed from ‘developing park’ to ‘Parliament House’ in 2020.
This building construction was running during the covid time. So, health clinics, vaccination camps, and labour camps were established at the site for over 60,000 workers.
