No jamun trees uprooted, says Hardeep Singh as work on Central Vista project goes on unabated

Tribune Web Desk
Chandigarh, May 8

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Puri said on Saturday that no jamun trees were uprooted during the controversial Central Vista project, after reports said several heritage trees could possibly be lost to the project that continues unabated even in the face of the severest criticism.  

Puri, a former diplomat and now the minister in the Modi government, said in posts he put on Twitter and Facebook: “Do not believe in fake photos & canards about ongoing work at Central Vista Avenue. No Jamun trees have been removed. Only few trees will be transplanted in entire project. Overall green cover will increase. Defining elements of built heritage like lamp posts etc will be restored”.

“It will have more public space with refurbished lawns, paved walkways along Rajpath, improved landscape, clean canals, adequate public amenities, vending areas, public performance facilities, safe road crossings, non-disruptive facilities for public events etc.”

“Work is in progress. The project will be ready in time to host the Republic Day Parade in the 75th year of Indian independence.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious but controversial project that is estimated to cost Rs 13,450 crore includes a new home for the prime minister and the vice-president has drawn harsh criticism given that it comes in the middle of a raging pandemic.

The deadline for the new residences is 2022. The prime minister’s new home got a green clearance last week.

Work on the project has been allowed to continue at a time when the national capital and the country as a whole face a crippling healthcare crisis because of the devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.