Plans for Siri Fort sports complex hits bump

The commission has further objected to various components of the proposal. The DDA has created two duct vents in the basement where the parking lot will come up. The vents,according to the DUAC,fall within 100 metres of the protected Siri Fort wall,which is prohibited. The DDA has,however,submitted that the same was approved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The DUAC has also expressed objections to other aspects of the proposal,for example,the current access to the proposed complex,which the body feels is too wide. The commission has suggested that the width of the access be limited to seven metres and the DDA plant trees in the area hence reclaimed.

The commission has now asked the Chief Architect of DDA to submit a revised plan incorporating the suggestions within two weeks.

The Siri Fort complex project had run into trouble earlier this year as well,after area residents protested against DDA’s decision to spend a large amount of government funds to renovate the complex. Residents are also involved in litigation with the DDA against the agency’s plan to cut down hundreds of trees in the area. The apex court has asked the agency to desist from cutting down more trees.