In 1988, it was defined as a 25.88 sq km zone. That was increased to 28.73 sq.kms in 2003.
Delhi's famous Lutyens Bungalow Zone could shrink soon, with the Centre planning to trim it by 5.13 sq km.
The move could leave posh areas like Bengali Market, Jor Bagh, Sundar Nagar, Golf Links and Chanakyapuri out of the prestigious zone in the heart of New Delhi, freeing prime real estate from the tight regulations that govern the majestic Lutyens' Delhi.
A panel has suggested redrawing the zone into a compact 23.60 sq km island in the heart of Delhi, reverting as closely as possible to the original map drawn by famous British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1912.
The Delhi Urban Arts Commission of the Urban Development Ministry has suggested that the Supreme Court premises, excluded in 2003, be brought back into the Lutyens Bungalow Zone or LBZ and that its green areas be retained.
The government proposes to leave out areas with modern buildings that are not aesthetically aligned to those in the immaculately planned Lutyens' zone; most of these were included only in a similar redrawing in 2003.
If the proposals are implemented, the areas excluded from the LBZ are expected to witness a real estate boom as restrictions on construction will ease.
The government proposes to allow residential buildings of height 12 metres with basements, and commercial buildings of height 32 m, with a three-level basement and up to seven floors, in areas that will be trimmed out of the zone.
The ministry has published its proposals and the panel's report on its
website and has sought suggestions and objections from the public.
The proposal to redraw the LBZ has already been red-flagged by activists, who fear a boom in construction that will impact green cover and the landscape in this part of Delhi.
The government has redrawn the LBZ twice before. In 1988, it was defined as a 25.88 sq km zone. That was increased to 28.73 sq.kms in 2003.