NEW DELHI: Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs of India, Manish Sisodhia, Minister of Education, Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), and Kenneth I. Juster, outgoing United States (US) Ambassador to India, on Friday, January 8, broke ground on the new “more environmentally sustainable” Chancery building to be constructed inside the US Embassy campus.
Juster said that the project celebrated, is more than a series of buildings and infrastructure. The project reflects America’s enduring commitment to the US-India partnership and is a testament to the strength and longevity of that partnership. He added that the new design reduces total water use by 37% and potable water use by 74%. The reflecting pool will be renovated to capture storm water during the monsoon, storing one million gallons for treatment and reuse. Throughout the project, the Embassy will be planted over 2,000 trees in public areas in New Delhi.
Juster said that approximately $200 million will be invested in the local economy and the project will employ approximately 800 Indian workers at the peak of construction activities. The opportunity will help the workers learn new technical skills and safety awareness that will help distinguish them in the local market.