On the petition filed in the Supreme Court against the change of land use of Children’s Recreational Park and green area in Central Vista, the Central Government, while filing its reply, has asked to impose fine on the petitioner and dismiss the petition. After this, the court has asked the petitioner Rajiv Suri to file a counter-affidavit. Now the next hearing of the case will be on November 16.
The Center has said that the area of the said plot number 1 is currently being used as government offices and it is a defense land for 90 years. This is not a recreational activity (neighborhood play area). The Center reacted strongly to the question raised in the petition, saying that this place has never been open to the general public to use it for any public entertainment purposes. There is no resident population or residential colony in the said area.
In its affidavit, the Central Government has stated that in the Delhi Master Plan-2001 ‘Neighborhood Sports Area’ – sports facility was technically only under Recreational Use Zone. Therefore, it was placed in Zone ‘D’ and no longer has any nomenclature as ‘Neighborhood Play Area’ in Recreational Use Zone in MPD-2021. The affidavit states that several areas are being added suo motu by the Center for recreational purposes.
In the last hearing, the Supreme Court had sought a response from the Central Government on the petition. Petitioner Rajiv Suri had told the Supreme Court that plot number 1 of Central Vista was to be used for recreational facilities but it was being used for residential purposes.
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In response to this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had said on behalf of the Center that he would file a reply in three days and take instructions from the government. He said that he is of the view that the construction of Parliament, which includes Rashtrapati Bhavan and Vice-President Bhavan, is also underway. In such a situation, a Recreational Area may not be possible in the Security Zone.The petition alleges that the notification of illegal change in land use has deprived the residents of Delhi of the highly prized open and green space in the Central Vista area available for social and recreational activities.
The Central Vista project seeks to demolish existing buildings, replace and modify heritage buildings, demolish iconic buildings, replace 1960s-era concrete buildings, occupy open spaces as district parks and children’s amusement parks Which has been done, which is related to all the people of India.
The petition has sought quashing of such notification which allows change in land use. The petitioner has said that the right of recreational open spaces to the residents of Delhi should be protected as a result of a healthy life and environment.
