By IANS
Shimla : Priyanka Gandhi has sought permission from the union home ministry to build a house in a high security zone near Shimla.
Priyanka wants to build a house near The Retreat, the summer residence of the president at Wildflower Hall, some 15 km uphill from Shimla.
She is learnt to have discussed several building plans at the proposed construction site and is keen to build the house in the local traditional Himalayan style to blend with area.
Some months ago, the Himachal Pradesh government had given her permission to purchase a 4.5 bigha (about one acre) plot near The Retreat.
As per the law, only Himachalis are allowed to purchase land in rural parts of the state but the Congress government made an exception in the case of Priyanka.
Officials say Priyanka has requested the home ministry for permission to build a house near The Retreat as she and her family are covered by Z level security and it would be safe for her to stay there.
Priyanka has been visiting Wildflower Hall for many years, earlier with her parents and more recently with her husband Robert Vadra and their children.
Sources say Priyanka has purchased the plot for almost Rs.4.7 million.