Uproar over Central Vista is eerily similar to the one in the aftermath of the unfortunate Elphinstone stampede in Mumbai, when the Bullet Train was made the target.

At time of any tragedy, certain people with the power to influence national narrative attempt to put down things they don't like and trap emotionally & mentally drained people into binaries which are morally appealing.

All arguments presented during such times are emotional ones as any person with a contrarion view can be guilt tripped into being morally wrong.

Central Vista isn't about someone's house. It is a holistic project envisaged to improve pedestrian & tourist experience like refurbished lawns, paved walkways, underpasses, improved landscape, vending areas, public amenities, parking etc.

It envisages better working conditions for thousands of employees, better co-ordination and efficiency between & within different arms of executive, and savings of crores of rental expenditure.

In this video, Mr Bimal Patel, renowned architect answers many whys, whats, wheres and whens.

Parliament complex today is in dilapidated condition, it lacks modern facilities & adequate seating. Apparently, it is not even earthquake proof. No of parliamentarians will rise sharply post census & delimitation.

Continuing for perpetuity in complexes relevant from 1950s-1980s isn't possible.
Upgradation as per changing times & requirements becomes necessary.

Central Vista contacts awarded so far are worth 1340 crores (862 for parliament + 477 for public amenities). India's health budget for 2021-22 is 2.24 lakh crores. Vaccine budget alone is 35000 crores. More than a dozen AIIMS are under construction.

Vista neither takes away any funds, nor human resources meant to fight pandemic. Stopping it indefinitely NOW will only affect the daily wagers, so many already affected due to indefinite lockdowns.
End!

@cbdhage @Kun_Srivastav @sssaaagar @chai2kul share if you like.