Players Building: a marvel out of nothing

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, NOV. 4.

Automatic premium water taps, swanky offices, computerised exits, hi-tech sprinkler system, close circuit remote controlled television coupled with laser technology doors in the backdrop of a lake on one side and the polluted Yamuna on the other are some of the highlights of the new Delhi Government Secretariat, popularly known as ``Players Building'', which is ready for occupation by politicians and bureaucrats.

The use of state-of-the-art technology in construction of the building, which has an underground parking for around 300 cars, was quite evident during a visit to the building organised by the Delhi Government. The guided tour of the posh building, adjoining the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, was personally conducted by the Chief Minister, Ms. Sheila Dixit, who was accompanied by the PWD Minister, Mr. Parvez Hashmi, and a team of top officials.

During the round, the CM was seen pointing out certain modifications that needed to be carried out. ``I will have to spend half a day for a complete inspection to take care of the minutest of details which have not been attended to,'' she told PWD officials.

In fact, the office of the Chief Minister has a wide terrace, that will take care of Ms. Dixit's habit of taking a stroll after a meal and also an evening walk. In addition to this, there is an IT influenced conference room with facility for video conferencing, a retiring room and a waiting room for her guests. The visitors' lobby looks like the lobby of a five-star hotel. An artificial lake can also be seen from the office of the Chief Minister. ``Efforts are already on to clean up the lake and a beautification drive has been launched along all sides. I plan to attract migratory birds and also have some ducks to make the place attractive and environment friendly,'' she added.

But there is also disappointment for the habitual agitationists. The new Secretariat will be out of bounds for those wanting to hold dharnas and rallies as it would hold up traffic on the busy nearby ITO bridge. The Chief Minister however, clarified that access would be no denied to the common man and the Secretariat would be open to all. However, security considerations would have to be kept in mind as is the case with all other Government offices.

Stating that the Government had been able to make a marvel out of virtually nothing, Ms. Dixit said around Rs. 65 crores had been spent to re-design and rehabilitate the building. It has 10 floors and around 300 rooms which will house the offices of all Ministers and top bureaucrats. Around 12 departments are likely to be shifted to the new building during this month.

An 175-seater auditorium has also been constructed with facilities like hi-tech sound reinforcement system with dolby sound, audio video, over head projection facilities, recording equipment and chairs with digital delegate units for conferencing facilities, apart from two conference rooms with capacity to accommodate 60 people each. In addition to this, the building will also have a bank, ISD/STD facilities, a book shop, post office, telephone exchange, chemist shop, cyber cafe and commercial shops.

The Chief Minister said it was decided to adopt modern open office system with large work station areas without partition walls. The work stations were planned to be provided as part of a modular office furniture system. The effort is to provide an intelligent building with a fully computerised, paperless office.

The Chief Minister also informed that a plan had been worked out to rehabilitation and relocate the jhuggi-jhopri hutments in front of the ``Sachivalaya'' to at Bhalaswa.

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