Centre gives green nod to rebuild MP flats in Lutyens zone

NEW DELHI: The Centre has given environment clearance for redevelopment of flats for Members of Parliament (MP) at North and South Avenue in the national capital, which would entail an investment of about Rs 600 crore.

The existing houses will be demolished in a phased manner and the redevelopment work is scheduled to be taken up in phases over 8-10 years time.

In May, the Environment Assessment Committee (EAC) had examined the proposal and recommended granting of environment clearance (EC) to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for redevelopment of the MPs flats at South and North Avenue in the Lutyens area of Delhi.

"Based on the EAC recommendations, the Environment Ministry has given accord to the CPWD's proposal under the provisions of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006," a senior Environment Ministry official told PTI.

The approval has been given subject to certain conditions like use of modern technology machines for demolition of existing building structure to avoid the noise and dust pollution among others, the official added.

As per the proposal, the total plot area of the project would be 1.99 lakh sqm. The buildings will comprise maximum of ground plus first floor. The existing houses at site have 424 dwelling units which will be demolished in a phased manner.

The project will be redeveloped to have 291 duplex residential units and 291 number of servant quarters.

Of the total project, over 67,462 sqm has been devoted for green area and landscape development. Parking facility for 873 four wheelers and 291 two wheelers is proposed to be provided.

However, the clearance is subject to final order of the Supreme Court in the matter of Goa Foundation versus Union of India in Writ Petition (Civil) No.460 of 2004 as may be applicable to this project.