New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday laid the foundation stone for the newly conceptualised Thal Sena Bhavan at Delhi Cantonment.

The Thal Sena Bhavan will help in bringing together various sections of the Army Headquarters spread across Delhi under one roof. Currently, Indian Army works from eight different locations in the Capital.

Addressing the officers and troops present at the ceremony, the minister said: "Brave soldiers like you have ensured India is recognised as a power. The credit goes to the brave troops for this."

He said the need for Sena Bhavan has been felt for for many years. "There were eight locations from where offices are being run. Now it can function from one place."

The headquarters complex will house office space and residential accommodation in close proximity and is expected to be built over the next five years.

"A total of 6,014 offices will be constructed which will house offices for 1,684 officers, both military and civilian," Indian Army said.

Approximately 7.5 lakh square metre of area will be constructed to house the office complex and parking.

The complex will house offices, a residential area for security personnel and basic amenities.

The proposed work will generate minimum two lakh hours of skilled and unskilled work.

Observing that there is movement of about 3000-4000 vehicles every day from the various Army establishments in the city, Singh said this would be not required once the 'Thal Sena Bhawan' comes up, significantly reducing expenses on fuel consumption and pollution.

The work for construction of Thal Sena Bhawan has been approved by the government. Accordingly, work for the go-ahead sanction for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) and enabling works for Thal Sena Bhawan at Delhi Cantonment was approved in FY 2019-20.

The Bhawan is proposed to be built opposite Manekshaw Centre in 39 acres.

The proposed building is being conceptualized as a multistorey green building adopting Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) norms.

"The proposed Thal Sena Bhawan will bring all Army HQ offices under one roof thereby improving the working efficiency, while reducing the carbon footprint and logistics requirements. It will also allow more family time for all soldiers tenating peace posting at Delhi," Army Chief Gen M.M. Naravane said.