The Hall of Nations and the Hall of Industries in Pragati Maidan — two of the national Capital’s iconic modern architectural landmarks, celebrated globally — are now history. These building were constructed to celebrate the 25 year of Independence.
“The Hall of Nations and the Hall of Industries have been demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art modern complex which would add immensely to the profile of the capital city. The proposed redevelopment plan of Pragati Maidan is a project of national importance as it envisages setting up of a world class iconic state of the art ‘Integrated Exhibition and Convention Centre’ (IECC) with latest modern architectural design. The layout plan is ready and it has been approved by the Competent Authority. We expect to finish it by mid-2019. A basement parking facility for 4,800 vehicles is also a part of the project,” an India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) official said.
“Seven exhibition centres, spread over an area of nearly 1.5 lakh sqm, will come up in Pragati Maidan. Besides, a world-class iconic convention centre, with a capacity of 7,000 seats will also be built, the official said.
“Also the plan goes beyond Pragati Maidan as we will be constructing an underpass through the Maidan to
decongest traffic in and around the area. Red and white
sandstones will be used in the construction in harmony with other buildings in the capital. It will add to the aesthetics of the city,” he said
“The buildings were not categorised as heritage by the Heritage Conservation of Committee (HCC) as those are only 45-years-old. So, we have demolished those for the new project. Demolition of the Nehru Pavilion is still going on,” a senior ITPO official said.
The Delhi High Court on April 20 had dismissed a plea by the building”s architect to preserve it.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva dismissed as “without merit” the plea by architect Raj Rewal, who had designed the building.
The court’s verdict was based on the decision of the HCC, set up for protecting heritage structures, which has held that only those buildings which are either 60-years old or more than that would be considered for heritage status.
It also said since the HCC’s guidelines, formulated in February this year, have not been challenged, therefore the architect has no legal right to seek preservation of the structure.
“The layout plan of IECC, which inevitably involves demolition of these structures, has already been approved by the concerned statutory authorities like Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC), South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) and National Monuments Authority (NMA)," an official said.
ITPO, headquartered at Pragati Maidan, is the nodal agency under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for promoting the country’s external trade and hosts the famous annual trade fair on its premises.