After successfully overcoming the litigation barrier on the plot of land allotted to it in New Delhi for building its own residential structure, Jharkhand Government has approached the Union Urban Development Ministry seeking permission for a high rise construction. The permission has been sought on the grounds that several private properties and other structures in the locality of the national capital are multi storied.
Highly placed sources in the State Government and from Jharkhand Bhawan in Delhi informed The Pioneer that final approval of building plan and allocation of money for the new building would come up after the request was approved or otherwise.
“We have got the plot, which is almost similar in measurement as of our existing Jharkhand Bhawan. It is nearly a one acre plot and in that part of the Central Delhi only four storey Government buildings are permitted. It would not suffice for our requirements and would not fulfill purpose of building a new structure. Anyway, the area houses many five star hotels and several other high rise buildings. Thus we have requested the Urban Development Ministry to look into it and permit for a multi storey building,” said a top official posted at Jharkhand Bhawan in Delhi on Monday over phone.
The Union Government had about two years ago allotted the plot at Rakabgunj area of lutyens’ Delhi to the State for building the residence. But the decision attracted dispute with some employees of MTNl residing there already. Finally the matter has been disposed off by the Delhi High Court in the last week of May in the favour of Jharkhand Government paving way for building the much awaited structure. Presently Jharkhand Bhawan is being run in a rented accommodation at Vasant Vihar area of Delhi.
“A team of engineers of Jharkhand’s PWD Department have approached the Ministry with certified copy of the judgment. If the Ministry agrees, which we hope they will (to the proposed multi storied structure in lieu of present four floor), then a revised estimate would be needed. The building plan and other process would follow thereafter,” said an official of the Department requesting anonymity.
The State Government is hopeful about getting permission from the Union Ministry citing similar demands coming from other States getting plots in the area. “Similar problem is being faced by some other States those are building their residential offices as their requirements are hard to be met by a four floor building. We need more number of rooms, space for offices and suites and other facilities. We believe that the Urban Development Ministry would pay heed to the demand so that we can start the process of building new Jharkhand Bhawan in the national capital,” concluded the official.