Ambedkar Sanskrutik Bhavan Parisar Bachao Kruti Samiti (Save Ambedkar Cultural Hall Premises Action Committee) has planned a morcha on Vidhan Bhavan on December 20. The hall at Ambazari Garden was demolished and the land was acquired by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The MTDC then appointed an agency for the development of the Ambazari garden, including Ambedkar Cultural Hall and part of the lake for development as a tourist place. The total area of 44 acres was handed over to Messrs Garuda Amusement Park, the Action Committee has stated.
The Committee has also alleged that the hall has been demolished and the area has been covered using tin sheets. The Cultural Hall was handed over to MTDC through the order of the District Collector on September 20, 2017. It was expected that the hall will be renovated. It was in dilapidated condition demand for its renovation was being raised on various platforms.
The convenor of the Committee Kishor Gajbhiye has expressed suspicion over the entire deal. The Cultural Hall was constructed to commemorate the felicitation of Dr Ambedkar after he along with a large number of his followers embraced Buddha Dhamma in 1956.
As per the State Government decision, 44 acres was given to Nagpur Municipal Corporation for developing a garden on 24 acres and 20 acres for developing Dr Ambedkar’s memorial.
Gajbhiye has demanded action against NMC officers who handed over the entire land to a private agency.