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As Chhattisgarh celebrates the silver jubilee of its formation, the state is ready to witness a historic moment when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the grand, modern, and eco-friendly newly constructed Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly building in Naya Raipur. Chhattisgarh carved as the 26th state out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000, with its first Legislative Assembly session held on December 14, 2000, at a private school in Raipur. The first session of the Chhattisgarh legislative assembly was held inside the Jashpur Hall in Rajkumar College (a school), Raipur. Subsequently, the assembly was shifted to a government building on the outskirts of the capital on the Raipur-Baloda Bazar Road. 25 years later, the assembly is moving own grand, modern, and eco-friendly building. The new Vidhan Sabha complex, spread over 51 acres in Nava Raipur and constructed at a cost of Rs 324 crore, is a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity and progressive spirit, news agency PTI reported, citing an official statement. Designed as a blend of traditional art and modern engineering, the structure embodies the essence of ‘Dharti Dhurandhar’, a land rich in tradition and innovation. The state-of-the-art structure is considered one of the most technologically advanced legislative assemblies in India, featuring a blend of traditional Chhattisgarhi aesthetics and modern architecture. The ceiling of the main assembly hall features intricately-carved motifs of rice grains and leaves, representing Chhattisgarh’s identity as the ‘Rice Bowl of India’. Most of the doors and furniture have been handcrafted by skilled wood artisans from Bastar, giving the complex a distinctly local touch, it said. The building is divided into three major sections – Wing-A houses the assembly secretariat, Wing-B includes the main chamber, Central Hall, and offices of the Speaker and the Chief Minister, while Wing-C accommodates offices of all ministers. Built with energy-efficient and green construction technology, the complex integrates a solar power plant and two rainwater harvesting ponds, ensuring sustainability for generations to come. Equipped for a paperless assembly in the future, the new building combines modern amenities with technological foresight. There is a 500-seat state-of-the-art auditorium and a 100-seater Central Hall for high-level deliberations in the complex. Designed to reflect the essence of Chhattisgarh’s tribal and regional heritage, along with aspirations for a forward-looking, self-reliant future, the new building integrates Bastar and Surguja art into its corridors. The interiors feature a grand dome inspired by traditional palaces, while the exterior design subtly mirrors the Rashtrapati Bhavan. “This isn’t just an Assembly building. It’s where the dreams of 30 million people will take shape,” a government official said. The complex includes a media lounge, auditorium, art gallery, canteen, and three meeting halls, alongside separate facilities for men, women, differently abled, and transgender individuals. To ensure safety and accessibility, the complex also includes three medical facilities within its premises. A statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whose leadership Chhattisgarh was formed, has been installed at the entrance as a symbolic tribute to his vision of empowering India’s heartland. (With inputs from agencies)
