As Covid-19 rages, India pushes on with $3.67m Central Vista project in Delhi
NEW DELHI – Men in yellow hard hats lay pipes in the ground as the streets around the capital’s iconic India Gate are largely quiet with just a few cars whizzing by because of the strict lockdown following a devastating second wave of Covid-19 cases.
Red sand and black lamp posts linked by thick chains that used to line the near three-kilometre long boulevard called Rajpath, which runs from India Gate to President’s House, have largely been cleared to build toilets, parking space and underpasses.
This is part of the Central Vista project which includes construction of a new government building and Parliament.
The project has faced criticism since it was finalised by the government in 2019.
But it has come under renewed attack with many contrasting how the 200 billion rupees (S$3.64 billion) project is going ahead amid the failure to boost crucial medical infrastructure between the first and second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Criticism has come from different quarters, from a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stop to the work for the safety of the 400 workers, to a statement from 76 Indian and international public intellectuals and scholars, including historian Romila Thapar and writer Orhan Pamuk, asking the government to reconsider the project.
Leaders of 12 opposition parties also found a rare moment of unity in seeking a suspension of the project.
“Stop Central Vista construction. Use the allocated money for procuring oxygen and vaccines, instead,” they said in a statement.
Critics maintain it remains a legacy-building initiative.
“The Central Vista redevelopment is a political project and not an essential service, at any given point of time,” said Ms Kanchi Kohli, an environmental governance expert with the Centre for Policy Research.
The area in and around India Gate, a war memorial, is steeped in history and heritage. Popularly known as Lutyen’s Delhi after Sir Edwin Lutyen, the British architect who planned the capital city, the architecture combines European style with Mughal influences.
The area is not only the seat of power where the Prime Minister’s office and other ministries are located, it is also a top tourist destination.
The Central Vista project will lead to the demolition of multiple, post Independence-era government buildings which are scattered in different parts of Central Delhi. Instead one large building will house all ministries.
South and North Block, at present the country’s seat of power with, among other things, the Prime Minister’s Office will be converted into museums.
The architects have said they will not dilute green spaces or change the iconic nature of the Central Vista.
The government, too, has dismissed all fears and concerns.The federal minister for housing and urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri has accused critics of spreading misinformation.
“Do not believe in fake photos and canards about ongoing work at Central Vista Avenue. No Jamun (Indian blackberry or Java plum) trees have been removed. Only a few trees will be transplanted in entire project. Overall green cover will increase. Defining elements of built heritage like lamp posts etc will be restored,” tweeted Mr Puri.
He also noted that the criticism about diverting funds from expenditure on health rung hollow as the government had earmarked double the amount for the vaccination drive.
Officials said that the redevelopment would be beneficial as it would smoothen the functioning of government and reduce spending on maintaining multiple buildings. They said tourists would also benefit with access to toilet facilities.
Yet, for many Delhi residents who have grown up with visits to India Gate with their families, the changes have triggered deep disquiet.
A popular spot for outings and picnics, the ceremonial boulevard has been etched into many childhood memories.
Mr Mannu Mansheet, an interior stylist and professor of visual merchandising and design, left his home after 25 days for his vaccination in central Delhi and had to cut through Rajpath.
The first change he noticed as he drove by was the construction activity.
“We used to go for small impromptu picnics. We used to play badminton, ball games or just hide and seek. I learnt how to drive at India Gate,” he said.
“I’m saddened to see what has been done.”
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