GoM recommends dismantling of Police Memorial

New Delhi, Feb 6 (UNI) An empowered Group of Minister (GoM) today recommended dismantling of the National Police Memorial and replacing it with a fresh one to maintain the aesthetics, heritage and environment of the Lutyen's zone in Delhi.

The GoM headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil today visited the 44.5 metre high National Police Memorial in Chanakyapuri and decided to agree with the suggestion of the Delhi Urban Arts Commission in this regard. The GoM's recommendation would be sent to the Union Cabinet which would take a decision on this matter.

The GoM has also reportedly proposed construction of a new memorial after due consultation with the Delhi Urban Arts Commission and with approval from the authorities concerned.

Among those who visited the Memorial today included Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy, Tourism Minister Ambika Soni, Home Secretary V K Duggal and senior officials of the Urban Development Ministry.

The GoM was constituted following a petition being filed in the Delhi High Court in 2002 stating that the memorial was not in conformity with the ambience of the surroundings and with asthetics and architectural character of the Lutyen's Zone. Moreover, it was obstructing the view of the dome of Rashtrapati Bhavan from Shanti Path.

The Delhi Urban Art Commission had suggested dismantling or reduction of the height of the 44.5 meter high controversial structure. The High Court had directed the government to see the appropriateness of the height and location of the Memorial Building following which the DUAC and Home Ministry were corresponding on this issue. The Court, earlier in 2004, had stayed construction of the Police Memorial.

The foundation stone of the controversial Memorial was laid by the then Home Minister L K Advani on December 13, 2002 to create, public awareness of the sacrifices made by the countless policemen in the country.

Since Independence about 25,000 policemen all over the country have sacrificed their lives while discharging their duty and the memorial was meant to lift the morale of the policemen and inspire them to rededicate themselves to serve the nation and its people with renewed vigour.

UNI