Following the widely shared video of Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra getting drenched in the rain outside Parliament, authority officials have moved swiftly to make structural changes. Within 24 hours of the footage circulating online, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla convened an urgent meeting with representatives from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and architectural experts. The meeting was called to address the absence of weather protection at the entrance and to initiate steps for building a shelter at Makar Dwar.
Feasibility Study Ordered for New Porch Construction
Ongoing downpours during the current monsoon session of Parliament have created significant inconvenience for individuals accessing the complex. Makar Dwar serves as a primary entry and exit gate for lawmakers, journalists, and administrative staff members every day. Due to the lack of an existing canopy, visitors face severe weather exposure during heavy rainfall. Recognizing these operational difficulties, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla instructed the CPWD and project architects to evaluate the technical viability of constructing an entrance porch at Makar Dwar. Officials have been tasked with submitting a comprehensive feasibility report to outline the project framework promptly.
Replicating the Traditional Architecture of the Old Building
The original Parliament building featured covered porticos at its primary entryways, providing effective protection for parliamentarians against heavy rain and intense sunlight. In contrast, the newly constructed Parliament facility was designed without a covered porch at Makar Dwar, leaving the entryway exposed to seasonal elements. To rectify this design gap, Om Birla requested architects and CPWD engineers to draft architectural plans modeled after the older building's entrance structures, ensuring seamless integration with the contemporary complex.
Action Initiated After Viral Social Media Video
The decision to call an emergency consultative session came just one day after footage of Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra gained massive traction across social platforms. In the video, both leaders were seen standing unprotected in pouring rain near Makar Dwar without umbrellas. The footage sparked public discussion regarding basic infrastructure facilities and shelter arrangements at parliamentary entry points. Construction work on the new Makar Dwar porch is expected to commence shortly after the CPWD submits its feasibility evaluation.
