The Public Works Department (PWD) on Tuesday allotted the 115, Ansari Road bungalow in Daryaganj to AAP’s Atishi, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Delhi Assembly.
The department has also started the process to renovate the house before it is handed over to Atishi, said officials, adding that a tender for the work has been invited.
Atishi currently occupies the AB-17, Mathura Road bungalow, which was allotted to her when she was the chief minister. Recently, she had requested the PWD to allot her the same bungalow as LoP but the department had responded saying that the bungalow is unavailable due to “rules of inter-pool exchange”.
“The PWD has allotted the Ansari Road bungalow to the LoP. It has also begun the process to repair and renovate the house… Tenders have been floated for its renovation and upgradation,” said a PWD official.
Officials said that pipelines and the drainage system at the bungalow will be repaired and relaid, the house will be cleaned and painted, lights fitted, the kitchen will be converted into a modular one, flooring will be changed and new wardrobes built.
“Windows, doors, main gate, terrace and tanks, among others, will be cleaned and new ones installed where necessary. Further, while washrooms, floor and terrace tiles will be changed, sinks in the kitchen, cupboards and washbasins, among others, will be renovated. The house will be completely renovated before it is handed over to the new allottee,” an official said.
Maintaining that the renovation and upgradation work is estimated to cost Rs 39.25 lakh, the official added, “Tenders have been floated and once awarded, the work will be completed in a month.”
Story continues below this ad
The Ansari Road bungalow, which has three bedrooms, was previously occupied by AAP leader Jasmine Shah as the vice-chairman of the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission.
When contacted, a senior party leader said Atishi has received the offer of allotment on Tuesday. “However, it is unfortunate that PWD allotted a house to an elected MLA and LoP after almost a month. She had requested the PWD on March 8 for a house after being elected as the LoP,” a source in the party said.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd