The new Parliament building in the national capital showcases the rich cultural diversity of India, with Tripura’s eco-friendly bamboo products and artifacts taking center stage. The iconic structure features carpet mats made from bamboo for its flooring, highlighting the sustainable and environmentally conscious practices of Tripura. The use of bamboo not only adds a unique touch to the building but also signifies Tripura’s contribution to the project and its commitment to promoting eco-friendly materials.
Alongside the bamboo products, the new Parliament building incorporates materials from various states, reflecting India’s unity and cooperation on a national level. Carpets from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh and stone carvings from Rajasthan symbolize the country’s diverse culture. The teakwood used in the construction comes from Nagpur in Maharashtra, while the red and white sandstone is sourced from Sarmathura in Rajasthan, known for supplying the same materials for the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb in the national capital. Kesharia green stone is procured from Udaipur, red granite from Lakha near Ajmer, and white marble from Ambaji in Rajasthan.
The construction of the new Parliament building also demonstrates the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India), as materials are sourced from various regions across the country. The steel structure for the false ceilings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers comes from the union territory of Daman and Diu, while the furniture is crafted in Mumbai. Stone ‘jaali’ (lattice) works are sourced from Rajnagar in Rajasthan and Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The materials for the Ashoka Emblem come from Aurangabad in Maharashtra and Jaipur in Rajasthan, while the Ashok Chakra is procured from Indore in Madhya Pradesh.
The construction process incorporates environmentally friendly practices as well. Manufactured sand or M-sand from Charkhi Dadri in Haryana is used for creating the concrete mix, eliminating the need for dredging river beds. Fly ash bricks, known for their eco-friendly properties, are sourced from Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Brass works and pre-cast trenches are obtained from Ahmedabad in Gujarat.
The new Parliament building surpasses its predecessor in both size and design. Covering an area of 64,500 square meters, it is approximately three times larger than the old building. While the old Parliament building featured a circular design, the new structure boasts a striking triangular shape, representing a departure from traditional architectural norms and showcasing India’s commitment to progress.
Moreover, the new Parliament building provides increased seating capacity for representatives. The Lok Sabha chamber, inspired by the national bird – the peacock, can accommodate 888 members, while the Rajya Sabha chamber, designed on the pattern of the national flower – the lotus, has an expanded seating capacity of 384. These symbolic designs within the parliamentary space embody India’s national identity and its unity in diversity.
The construction of the new Parliament building serves as a testament to the collective effort of the entire country. Through the collaboration and contributions of various states, it becomes a true reflection of unity and cooperation on a national scale. The incorporation of Tripura’s bamboo products, along with materials from different regions of India, not only adds aesthetic value but also highlights the nation’s commitment to sustainability and showcases its diverse cultural heritage. The new Parliament building stands as a symbol of progress, unity, and India’s vibrant democracy.
