Environment Minister Orders Energy and Fire Audit of all Establishments of the Ministry across the country New Museum being planned in Delhi National Museum of Natural History to be Temporarily Closed for public due to fire

Environment Minister Orders Energy and Fire Audit of all Establishments of the Ministry across the country

New Museum being planned in Delhi

National Museum of Natural History to be Temporarily Closed for public due to fire

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, has ordered an Energy and Fire Audit of all establishments of the Ministry across the country. Speaking after visiting the National Museum of Natural History (NMMH) that was gutted by a fire here today, Shri Javadekar said that such an audit is important, as there are 34 museums including ZSI and BSI, which are visited by thousands of people daily. The Minister added that there will be an inquiry into the incident.

This is a real loss. We will assess the loss and see how we can restore it and how the recovery plan can be made", the Environment Minister said. Shri Javadekar also said that there are plans to move to another area to create a new Museum.

The new museum is being planned in Delhi. The project cost is Rs.225 crores. The conceptual work is in progress and a committee has been formed for the purpose.

6.5 acres land has been allotted to the Ministry, behind Purana Quila near Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The cost of the land has already been paid. The work of consultancy for preparation of detailed concept plan has been finalized. Statutory clearances from different agencies will be obtained after finalization of Land Use change and DPR. The proposal for Land Use change for allotted land will be considered on April 27, 2016 by the DDA, chaired by Lt. Governor, Delhi.

The work of soil testing has already been completed by CCU in January, 2016. The conceptual drawing has been submitted by the consultant and is likely to be finalized by May 15, 2016. Preparation of EFC/SFC will be done by February 28, 2017.

In-principle approval of allocation of funds from NITI Aayog/Ministry of Finance will be undertaken by October 31, 2016. Presently, the allotted land is under occupation of ITPO.

Earlier, Director, National Museum of Natural History said in a statement that the Museum will be closed for general public till further orders due to the fire incident.

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), a subordinate office of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, was established on June 5, 1978 in a rented building in FICCI building, New Delhi.