THE DEFENCE MINISTER LAID THE FOUNDATION
STONE FOR NEW DRDO BUILDING
Defence Minister
Shri George Fernandes laid the foundation of new DRDO (Defence
Research and Development Organisation) building here today. Addressing
on the occasion he praised the DRDO for their good work. He said
DRDO is not completing the work allocated to them in time but
also maintain excellent quality. Shri Fernandes said that time
of completion of the building of 30 month is too long a period
and DRDO should cut short the time and he is confident that they
can do it.
Earlier addressing
on the occasion Secretary Defence Research and Development and
Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister Dr. VK Aatre informed that
at present DRDO’s offices are located in seven different places
in New Delhi and with the completion of the construction of the
new building all the offices will be located at one place which
will increase the efficiency of the work.
The proposed building
will be located at rotary junction of Dalhousie Road and Rajaji
Marg, looking towards the ornate foundation at the end of the
diagonal road connecting the site with Vijay Chowk. The concept
of the design of the proposed building is based on the traditional
elements on which Lutyen’s Delhi was planned i.e. axial and radial
roads with vistas terminating at monumental buildings of Imperial
Delhi. First Axes has a direct impact on the form of the proposed
building as it embraces the roundabout with its concentric frontage.
The second axes has a more subtle influence in terms of height
and architectural considerations.
The building is proposed
to have six storeys. Common facilities like auditorium, cafeterias
and display areas are kept on the ground floor and officers are
to be located on first to fifth floor. On each floor conferencing
facilities are also provided, Secretariat of the Scientific Advisor
to the Defence Minister is proposed to be built on the fifth floor
facing South Block. The six storey complex will leave 75 per cent
of the area for a landscape environment compatible with the heritage
outdoor formal areas of green, gardens and vistas.
Chief of Naval Staff
Admiral Shri Madhavendra Singh, Vice Chief of Army Staff, Vice
Chief of Naval Staff, senior service and Ministry of Defence officials
were also present on the occasion.
