Green Call

The hotels are following a retro-fitting system that implies revamping the existing facilities. Recommendations on energy efficiency,solid waste segregation,rainwater harvesting and landscaping have been put forth. The Ashok,situated in the heart of Chanakyapuri boasts of 550 rooms,has already been fitted with new elevators that save up to 40 per cent in energy. Also,a new software will help in regulating the usage of ACs. “With the new software,the temperature can be regulated and the ACs can beshut when not required on the

computer thereby excess energy,” says Budhiraja.

A pit for rainwater harvesting has been dug up near the exit gate of The Ashok that helps in using recycled water for gardening purposes. A budget of Rs 170 crore has been earmarked for the three ITDC hotels in Delhi. Out of the total budget,The Ashok has been allotted Rs 146 crore for renovations.

Besides,plans are also afoot to transform the three hotels into a cultural hub. The upgradation plan comprises three high end restaurants and an exclusive wine lounge for The Ashok. Nelson Wang’s China Garden,a wine lounge and an exclusive vegetarian restaurant are expected to come up in the lobby. While an open air rooftop restaurant will dish out Indian cuisine,The Ashok plans a shopping arcade of high end international brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel in the lobby. Currently,34 shops selling handicrafts occupy the shopping arcade. “We have asked the shop owners to vacate the premises and are awaiting the court orders. Once that is through,we will invite international brands,” says Budhiraja. Meanwhile,Arjun Rampal’s lounge bar LAP ,in partnership with restaurateur AD Singh at Samrat Hotel,is likely to open its doors in August and is being designed by fashion designer Sandeep Khosla of the famed Abu-Sandeep duo. Meanwhile,fashion designer Rohit Bal’s restaurant Cibo in Hotel Janpath is already up and running.