Environment Ministry panel clears Ambedkar memorial plan in Lutyens' Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Social Justice Ministry's proposal to construct a grand Ambedkar memorial in Lutyens' Delhi has received the nod from a high-powered Environment Ministry panel.

Sources said that the Expert Appraisal Committee for Projects related to Infrastructure Development, Coastal Regulation Zone, Building/Construction and Miscellaneous projects, which met here last week, has recommended the green clearance for the Dr Ambedkar International Centre here.

The centre would promote the philosophy and ideology of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

The panel has sent the recommendation to Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who is authorised to take a final decision on clearances.

The Social Justice Ministry is planning to construct the centre at Plot-A on Dr Rajendra Prasad Road, Janpath. The estimated cost of the centre would be Rs 195 crore and it will also house an international convention centre, museum and library.

Land for the centre has been allotted by the Urban Development Ministry.

The EAC panel, chaired by Anil Razdan, has said that the permission for the demolition of the existing bungalows in Lutyens Delhi to make way for the centre needs to be taken from the Urban Development Ministry and NDMC.

Sources said that out of the 138 trees presently standing at the site, 91 would be cut.

The panel has said that necessary clearances should be obtained for the cutting of trees and compensatory plantation should be carried out.