President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday dedicated to the people the secretariat block of Chhattisgarh’s new capital Naya Raipur. All offices will function from the new complex from Wednesday.
Naya Raipur is being developed as a sustainable city for administrative functions of the State; a capital that can accommodate a population of 5.6 lakh by 2031. It is situated about 17 km from the old Raipur city. The planning area of Naya Raipur covers 237.42 sq km, to be built in phases. The first phase of development is in progress.
The Mantrayala (secretariat) building has been constructed at the centre of the Capitol Complex in Naya Raipur. Along with Mantralaya Bhawan, the Head of Department Complex, and the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha Bhawan, it will house other government offices.
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Modern green city
The new capital has been planned as a modern ‘green city’ with major eco development projects such as rain water harvesting, solar energy and internet connectivity. Twenty three per cent of the city has green cover.
The Chief Minister’s office was successfully awarded ISO 9001: 2008 certification after rigorous audits.
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The Rashtrapati Bhawan Office and the office of the Chief Minister of Gujarat have been awarded ISO certifications as well.
Farmers’ protests notwithstanding, the government claims to have followed an innovative model of development by purchasing the land from the owners rather than acquiring it under the Land Acquisition Act, as far as possible. The city has been planned so that the existing villages become an integral part of the city. In order to ensure equity and access to all, 15 per cent of land is reserved for EWS housing and 10 per cent for lower income groups. Initiative has been taken to provide for rental housing scheme and night shelter for the supporting population.