JAMMU, Feb 20: In a major push to expand its footprint in key metropolitan cities, the Jammu and Kashmir government is pursuing the construction of new, state-of-the-art Bhawans in Dwarka and Navi Mumbai, even as its ambitious redevelopment plan for the high-value property at 5, Prithviraj Road in the national capital remains entangled in stringent heritage norms.
Providing a detailed status update in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, the minister in-charge of the Hospitality & Protocol Department outlined the administration’s comprehensive strategy to upgrade its official accommodations across the country.
Responding to a query by legislator Irfan Hafiz Lone, the minister informed the House that while the redevelopment of the prestigious J&K House on Prithviraj Road is a priority, the project is navigating significant regulatory hurdles. According to the minister, the drafting of the Expression of Interest (EoI) is at an “advanced stage.” However, the project’s location within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ) and the heritage tag on the main building mandate clearance from the Prime Minister’s Office and prohibit any structural changes to the heritage structure.
The government has been forced to plan for the demolition of all existing ancillary structures—including staff quarters and the PWD office—that fall within the nine-meter no-construction buffer zone along the boundary wall. “The matter is being taken up with the executing agencies to come up with the best possible execution models keeping in view the above issues and the need for adequate accommodation within the complex,” the minister stated.
In a stark contrast to the regulatory maze in central Delhi, the UT administration has fast-tracked approvals for new greenfield projects on the city’s outskirts and in Maharashtra. A comprehensive proposal for a new J&K Bhawan on acquired land in Dwarka is being prepared, with various execution models, including through the CPWD or EPC mode, currently under examination.
Similarly, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being formulated for a new Bhawan on land acquired at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. The government has demonstrated its commitment by allocating ₹125.00 lakh in the revised estimates for the current fiscal year for the Mumbai project, and a substantial ₹2,090.00 lakh for the Dwarka project.
The minister also provided updates on other key properties, highlighting the government’s phased approach to infrastructure augmentation.
Chandigarh: Work has “commenced” on converting the existing SCo building into a full-fledged J&K House, backed by a significant outlay of ₹640.00 lakh.
Rajaji Marg (Kashmir House): While new construction is barred under LBZ norms, redevelopment and upgradation have been carried out. The reconstruction of staff accommodation is underway in phases against a revised estimate of ₹3,661.50 lakh.
Chanakyapuri: The government noted that due to “space constraints,” any new construction at the existing J&K House is “not feasible.”
Amritsar: The construction of additional structures on vacant land is currently “under consideration.”
The minister reiterated that the creation of additional accommodations will be completed in a phased manner, subject to the finalisation of DPRs and the securing of all necessary statutory clearances. (KNS)
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