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From: Architexturez-IN <admin-in@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:22:21 +0530
New Delhi, Jan. 16: Montek Singh Ahluwalia once helped Manmohan Singh
change the face of the Indian economy. Now he wants his mentor’s
government to do the same to New Delhi.
Ahluwalia, part of the original Team Manmohan of 1991 that unleashed the
reforms and now Planning Commission deputy chairman, has sent a letter
to the Centre saying the capital’s signature stretch — the Rajpath —
should only have buildings that reflect India’s booming economy by the
100th anniversary of Independence in 2047.
The letter to the urban development ministry was written in Ahluwalia’s
personal capacity but it carries an echo from the heyday of reform. If
the reformers then suggested banishing white elephants such as public
sector units, Montek the moderniser wants to get rid of monumental
monstrosities in the capital.
The articulate official has not used such strong language but he has
politely pointed out that redevelopment should not bank on poor
imitations of Edwin Lutyens’s and Herbert Baker’s “neo-imperial style”.
cont'd....
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080117/jsp/frontpage/story_8793212.jsp