Swarna Shukla –
Published On: October 26, 2021 at 08:30 IST
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to respond in three days to a Petition challenging the proposed changes in land use in some areas for the Central Vista Project as it deprives the Delhi residents of a vast chunk of green space and other recreational areas.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing the Centre submitted before the Bench presided over by Justice A M Khanwilkar that since the Prime Minister and Vice-President’s houses are coming up there, therefore it would not be possible to have a recreational area in the vicinity.
The Petitioner, Sanjay Suri, informed the Court that the Government has proposed to change land use in plot one of the Central areas from recreational to residential.
The Plea sought directions to stay activities such demolition of buildings, cutting of trees, excavation of land and other action which may be irreversible.
In January 2021, the Supreme Court cleared the decks for the project by upholding the environmental clearance and the notification for change in land use. (Central Vista Project: Supreme Court declined to hear PIL for halting construction)
The ongoing construction was repeatedly criticized by the Opposition Party leaders for spending huge money on the project while the country was suffering from the pandemic.
The Central Vista Project aims to redevelop a stretch at the heart of Lutyens Delhi. Of Rs 20,000 Crore, Rs 971 Crore will be spent on the new Parliament building and Rs 13,450 Crore on new residences for the Prime Minister and the Vice President.
Also Read: Delhi HC dismisses PIL seeking suspension of Central Vista Project amid Covid outbreak