An architectural marvel and the pride of the national Capital, the lotus Temple in Delhi is all set to undergo expansion with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) clearing a proposal for the same. In the board meeting of DDA on Friday, the layout plan for expansion of the temple was approved although on the condition that the temple administration would furnish an undertaking shall not exceed the sanctioned floor area ratio (FAR).
The Baha’i House of Worship, commonly known as the lotus Temple, had requested the DDA to approve the layout plan for building a centre for training of youths and to accommodate all facilities required for the training centre. The expansion is to be carried out on the land already in possession of temple complex. “The expansion plan had already been discussed at various levels, including the technical committee which had recommended relaxation in ground coverage for construction of the new building. The issue was put up before the board meeting discussed and it was approved subject to the condition that the FAR would not exceed beyond the sanctioned limit,” said a senior DDA official.
Besides, the authority also discussed the seven-year-old plan to create a ‘green corridor’ along the Barapullah drain in Delhi. The plan envisages treating the wastewater of the drain and creating an almost 13-km green pathway along the drain with recreational facilities. The pathway was to begin from Saidul-Ajaib near Mehrauli to the Yamuna.
Delhi lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung reviewed the ‘South Delhi Greenway Master Plan’ and directed that the operationalisation of the project begins with immediate effect. In the meeting, UTTIPEC was assigned the task of monitoring the progress of the project and report the same to the lG and the vice chairman of DDA.
The project aims to transform nearly 900 acres of derelict and underutilised landscape into a beautifully connected parkway and trail network. The plan includes cleaning up of the Barapullah drain through decentralised biological treatment facilities along the for eco-restoration project. The project also includes providing safe and secure recreational space to everyone including women, children and senior citizens.