Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has requested the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) to assess the feasibility of constructing a porch at Makar Dwar, a primary entrance to the new Parliament building. This directive follows repeated instances where Members of Parliament and other individuals have been exposed to rain while entering or exiting the building during the ongoing monsoon season.
The Chenab Times has learned that Mr. Birla convened a meeting on Friday with officials from the CPWD and other relevant agencies to deliberate on the challenges encountered at Makar Dwar during periods of heavy rainfall. The absence of a covered shelter at this entrance has led to significant inconvenience for all users of the Parliament complex.
During the monsoon, MPs, officials, visitors, and security personnel have faced the inconvenience of standing in the rain while using Makar Dwar. Instances have been observed where security staff have provided umbrellas to lawmakers as they navigate the entrance and exit routes. The issue highlights a gap in the infrastructure of the new Parliament building, particularly concerning protection from inclement weather.
The new Parliament building, inaugurated earlier this year, features six distinct entrances. Among these, Gaj Dwar, designated for the Prime Minister, Ashva Dwar, used by the Vice-President, and Garuda Dwar are equipped with porches, offering shelter to VVIPs and others using these access points. However, Makar Dwar, along with Shardul Dwar and Hans Dwar, currently lacks such covered structures.
The directive from the Speaker underscores a commitment to improving the facilities and addressing practical issues faced by those who work in and visit the nation’s legislative hub. The construction of a porch at Makar Dwar would provide much-needed protection from the elements, ensuring a more comfortable and seamless experience for all individuals entering and leaving the Parliament premises, especially during the monsoon and other adverse weather conditions. The CPWD is expected to submit a comprehensive proposal detailing the structural requirements, potential designs, and estimated costs associated with the project.
This move reflects a proactive approach by the Speaker’s office to enhance the functionality and user experience of the new Parliament building, ensuring it meets the practical needs of its occupants and visitors throughout the year. The development also brings attention to the planning and execution of infrastructure within new public buildings, emphasizing the importance of considering all environmental factors and user needs during the design and construction phases.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
