The iconic home of the Parliament is a little low on the security but that is no reason to relocate the Heritage building. Plans are underway for the improvement of the security of the 85 year old building. It was declared structurally unsafe after an audit last month by fire safety officials and others.

Mumbai Government Headquarters were affected by flames bursting out of the building. This has prompted the study of safety in the Parliament which revealed that No-Objection certificate was not issued for the last 60 years which could indicated compromised security.

Central Public Works Department (CPWD) had found that the condition of building was no longer safe and proposed a relocation. But the proposal Parliament has been rebutted Heritage Committee on Thursday. The committee which was formed in 2009 includes senior MPs like Kamal Nath and LK Advani.  Instead, an architect will be hired to present a "de-congestion" plan to make necessary changes to remove encroachments, modernize fire safety and other equipment. Reassessment of the facilities like air-conditioning ducts and cables that help in broadcasting the sessions of the Parliament would also be done.

The Parliament building, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker started in 1921 and the construction was completed in 1927.

(AW- Anil)