The power of the Indian democratic system manifests in our Parliament, which weathered the Indian freedom struggle from colonial rule and witnessed many historical milestones. The existing building served as independent India’s first Parliament and witnessed the adoption of the Constitution of India. Thus, conserving and rejuvenating the rich heritage of the Parliament building is a matter of national importance. An icon of India’s democratic spirit, the Parliament building sits at the heart of the Central Vista. Originally called the Council House, the building housed the Imperial Legislative Council. The Parliament building witnessed the addition of two floors in 1956 to address the demand for more space. In 2006, the Parliament Museum was added to showcase the 2,500 years of rich democratic heritage of India. The building had to be modified to a large extent to suit the purpose of a modern Parliament.
Introduction In a monumental step towards architectural and political modernization, India embarked on an ambitious project to construct a new parliament building, poised to become an iconic symbol of the nation’s progress and democratic ideals. This state-of-the-art edifice stands as a testament to India’s commitment to uphold the democratic principles enshrined in its constitution. Let us delve into the key features, significance, and the journey leading up to the inauguration of this remarkable structure.
As part of the Central Vista Redevelopment project, the new Parliament building overcomes infrastructural challenges that hindered parliamentary operations. On May 28, 2023, Prime minister Narendra Damodardas Modi inaugurated India’s new Parliament building. During the ceremony, Modi unveiled a plaque dedicating the building to the nation. He also received a gold-plated sceptre called “Sengol” from Adheenam priests and placed it near the Lok Sabha Speaker’s chair as per tradition.
The Government of India has undertaken the project, and it is expected to be completed by 2026. The total cost of the Central Vista Project is estimated to be ₹20,000 crore (US$2.5 billion).
How does the new Parliament building look?
The new Parliament building is a triangular-shaped house located next to the old Parliament House in New Delhi. The new building houses the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) and the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament), as well as other offices and facilities for members of Parliament and staff.
Architectural Marvel
Designed by the acclaimed Indian architect Bimal Patel, the new parliament building is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. The structure’s design harmoniously marries
classical elements from India’s architectural heritage with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices. Its majestic dome, reminiscent of the renowned Ashoka Chakra, pays homage to India’s rich historical legacy.
Technological Advancements
The new parliament building is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to facilitate seamless legislative proceedings. Modern communication systems, advanced audio-visual facilities, and a robust IT infrastructure enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of parliamentary sessions. The incorporation of smart-building technologies ensures that the structure remains adaptable to the evolving needs of the Indian legislature.
Cultural Integration
The new parliament building is not merely a functional structure; it is also a living repository of India’s cultural and historical narratives. The architecture incorporates motifs, sculptures, and artwork that tell the story of India’s evolution as a nation. From ancient empires to the freedom struggle, these artistic expressions serve as a constant reminder of the nation’s diverse heritage.
Sustainable practice of the parliament building
The main challenge was controlling dust emissions from the new parliament building’s construction activities. The Delhi NCR location exacerbated the problem due to pre-existing high pollution levels. Moreover, the use of continuous water sprinklers in the construction area resulted in the wastage of water and electricity. Therefore, integrating Lechler’s dust suppression systems with air quality monitors for automation became essential to activate water sprinkling only when dust levels were elevated. Consequently, this approach conserved resources like water and electricity while effectively addressing dust-related issues.
Leveraging their extensive experience in dust suppression systems, Lechler developed an innovative solution using Oizom’s dust monitoring technology. The system automatically detects dust levels and activates the suppression system if levels surpass the predetermined limit. Lechler installed five Dustroid systems at the new building construction at the Parliament of India and integrated their own system with multiple suppression units along the perimeter. This ensured that the suppression system activated whenever dust levels exceeded the threshold, effectively reducing construction-generated dust. They were successfully able to meet government compliance requirements for this high-profile project and not only demonstrated the effectiveness of their innovative solution but also established a positive precedent for future government construction endeavours.
They have been integrated into this gigantic undertaking, contributing to improved indoor air quality, increased comfort, and environmentally friendly practices. These AHRI certified units, which were designed with energy efficiency in mind, save 20-25% in energy and maintenance costs, making them not only environmentally responsible but also economically advantageous.
These devices optimise energy consumption while lowering operational and maintenance costs by meticulously monitoring and adjusting parameters such as temperature, humidity, air purification, and other critical parameters.
“We are honored to have been entrusted with such a prestigious project,” said Amit Goel, Managing Director at Edgetech. “Our team has worked tirelessly to deliver state-of-the-art air handling solutions that not only preserve the architectural heritage but also meet the demands of modern comfort and sustainability. We are proud to have contributed to the revitalization of Central Vista, enhancing the well-being of all who inhabit and visit these historically significant landmarks.”
Here are some of the key features of the new Parliament building
1. The new complex will have larger legislative chambers. Based on India’s national bird peacock, the new Lok Sabha will have thrice the current seating capacity at 888 seats, while there will be 348 seats for Rajya Sabha, which is based on the Lotus theme – the national flower. As per the new floor plan, the Lok Sabha hall will be able to accommodate 1,272 seats for joint sessions.
2. Other than the two legislative chambers, the new complex will host a ‘Constitutional Hall’ in the centre – a new addition.
3. The state-of-the-art ‘Constitutional Hall’ – a new addition to the Parliament complex symbolically and physically puts the citizens “at the heart of the democracy,” the Central Vista project website states.
Conclusion
Its inauguration marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and technologically advanced legislative process. This iconic structure, rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, encapsulates India’s aspirations for a progressive future while honoring its rich heritage. As the new heart of India’s democracy, it embodies the nation’s collective journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
Sources :https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news https://www.forbesindia.com/article/explainers/new-parliament-house-of-india/88417/1 https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-updates/daily-news-analysis/india-new-parliament-house https://oizom.com/case-study/sansad-bhavans-eco-friendly-makeover-with-automated-dust-s uppression-systems/ https://www.india.gov.in/
By ,DIVYA G