NEW DELHI: The Centre’s plan for the revamp of Rajpath has received the go ahead from the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) and the Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC). Sources said the work will start from Thursday and will be completed by December this year so that the Rajpath area, which is also known as Central Vista Avenue, becomes fully ready for the next Republic Day celebration.
TOI has learnt that while the HCC did not find anything wrong with the government’s plan, the DUAC has advised the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to ensure maintaining the character of the area and to see that trees are protected. Officials said about 85 suggestions and objections were received by the CPWD and after assessing them, the project was placed before the HCC.
Sources said in this entire area stretching up to two kilometers from India Gate to Vijay Chowk has hundreds of fully grown trees and only 15-20 of these will be transplanted. “There is no question of felling any tree,” an official said.
According to the plan, the artificial canal along Rajpath will be refurbished using sandstone; there will be pathways all along the lawns and eight toilet blocks will be built on the stretch between India Gate and Vijay Chowk. Keeping pedestrian safety in mind, four underpasses under Janpath and C-hexagon will be built. In the past, there have been some cases of fatal road crashes at these spots.