India is witnessing urban renaissance, says Hardeep Puri at 168th Annual Day of CPWD
CPWD making a significant contribution to governance through the
rejuvenation of Central Vista project, says the Union Minister
The Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri has said
that India is witnessing an urban renaissance and the architectural wonders of
Rashtrapati Bhavan and various other monuments are a testimony to our
architectural expertise of pre-Independent India. He was addressing the
gathering at the 168th Annual Day celebrations of Central Public Works Department (CPWD),
here today. The Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manoj
Joshi, the Director General, CPWD, Shailendra Sharma and other dignitaries
were present on the occasion.
Puri said that CPWD has steered important public works over the years,
and has become a leading enterprise in the field of construction management. As
one of the oldest-serving government department, CPWD has witnessed many
seismic shifts in the socio-political landscape of the capital region and other
parts of the country, he added.
The Minister said that from the days of British rule to
post-independence, and now to the 21st century, CPWD
has been a constant and reassuring presence. The true character of an
institution is reflected in how well it adapts itself with time. Since its
inception, CPWD has continuously evolved to meet the needs of the nation, he
added.
Stating that CPWD developed the National Capital Region in New Delhi
with the execution of projects such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, North and South
Block, and Parliament House, among other equally iconic projects, Puri said
that even today, it is making a significant contribution to governance through
the rejuvenation of the Central Vista project, with the development of the New
Parliament Building, VP Enclave, and Common Central Secretariat. CPWD’s good
work has even transcended national boundaries: the Afghanistan Parliament was
constructed by the CPWD, and it remains a sign of India’s unwavering friendship
with the Afghan people, he added.
Puri said that there is a visible and demonstrated improvement in the
role of CPWD in nation building again. Whenever there is an improvement and
reform, there will be certain difficulties as well and they come from people
who have vested interests in the activities. Today we are not constructing for
today and tomorrow and we are constructing for next 250 years, he said.
Therefore, any slippage on quality will cost us a lot and you must have same
level of commitment and responsibility in building the nation, he
added.
Saying India successfully transitions into a post-pandemic world,
construction will play a key role in moving India towards a resilient,
sustainable and inclusive future, Puri said that he was glad to note that
CPWD is prioritising environment-friendly and sustainable structures by using
technologies that minimise the carbon footprint across the construction
lifecycle; and by combining construction technologies with indigenous and
locally sourced materials.
The Minister felicitated several officials and employees of CPWD for
their meritorious performance.
The Minister released various Publications published by CPWD. The
Minister also launched six modules of revamped website.