To commemorate 75 years of Independence being celebrated in 2022, the Central Government has decided to build an ‘iconic structure’ called the ‘Nav Bharat Udyan’, or New India Garden, next to the Yamuna river bank spread over 22 acres in the national Capital. The ‘iconic structure’ will be dedicated to the nation by August 15, 2022, which provides execution time of about one year for the project. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD), falling under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs called a design competition for the new structure.
The Centre has decided to double the length of the Central Vista from 2.9 km to 6.3 km, beyond the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the Mother Teresa Crescent in the west and from the India Gate to the banks of the river Yamuna in the east.
According to the ministry, an iconic structure is being planned to be built in Nav Bharat Udyan (New India Garden) in the national capital, symbolizing emerging New India with equitable growth opportunities, rooted in values of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwaas’ and representing the aspiration of clean India, free from poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism.
The CPWD’s proposal says the ‘iconic structure’ should be constructed with materials and technology which would last for ages, like :Ashoka’s edicts, Iron Pillar in Qutub Minar complex, etc:. It should be robust and withstand the vagaries of nature and remain as such for millennia to represent the current age, it added.
:Under the Master Plan, the Central Vista Axis will be extended from the present 2.9 km to 6.3 km from ridge to river. On the eastern side, it will culminate at the western bank of River Yamuna. This will restore the original design envisioned for Central Vista,: the CPWD’s proposal said.
Spread over 20.22 acres, New India Garden will be open to the public and is being designed to have an iconic structure and infotainment facilities such as Sphere of Unity, Milestones Walkway, Journey of India, Tech Dome, Amphitheatre, public amenities etc. to showcase India’s rich historical and cultural heritage, scientific achievements, and will symbolize unity in diversity and aspirations of the New India.
:The structure should be iconic in design and represent the national capital. For example, the India Gate erected by the British in the Central Vista in the early 20th century prominently signifies Delhi. The proposed iconic structure being built in independent India should now become a new symbol of the national capital,: CPWD’s proposal said.
The central axis of the Vista starts from the Rashtrapati Bhawan, moves on the central line between North and South Blocks and Rajpath and culminates at India Gate. The iconic structure should be aligned exactly on this central axis, as per the design competition’s rules. It will be located on the western bank of river Yamuna. Hence, the foundation is to be sited in sandy soil with a high water table.
The ministry says the registration will close on December 11. The presentations before the jury (if required) will be during the 2nd fortnight of December, 2020 and the winners will be announced in the last week of Dec, 2020.
Officials said that structure can be a tower/sculpture or any other built form but not a building to be occupied. Maximum permissible height at the proposed site as per colour coded zonal map prepared by Airports Authority of India is 134 metres from the present ground level.
Other factors like soil stability, wind velocity, seismic forces and vulnerability to flooding etc. need to be duly considered as per the provisions of National Building Code of India, 2016 while designing the structure.