The issue of underground parking at Dikshabhoomi has sparked statewide discussion. To resolve this dispute, an application has been filed with the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. The application, filed by Adv. Shailesh Naranvare, requests that 16.44 acres of adjacent Health Department land and 3.84 acres of Cotton Research Institute land be allocated to Deekshabhoomi.
Ambedkari followers are strongly opposed to the development of underground parking in the Dikshabhoomi area. It is expected that this will be the right solution to the parking dispute in Dikshabhoomi. Both the respective lands are near DikshaBhoomi. On November 3, 2015, the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Committee submitted a statement to the state government, requesting that these lands be acquired for Dikshabhoomi. Also, reminders have been sent from time to time in this regard. However, no decision has been taken yet.
If Dikshabhoomi receives these lands, the underground parking dispute will be resolved, and the sentiments of Ambedkar’s followers will be appeased, according to Adv. Naranaware.
For the overall development of Dikshabhoomi Adv. Naranware has filed a Public Interest Litigation in the High Court on 11 December 2018. Due to the necessary orders given by the court from time to time after taking cognizance of that petition, a comprehensive development plan of Dikshabhoomi has been prepared. This plan will be implemented in three phases.
Adv. Naranware has emphasized in his application that halting or disrupting the ongoing development works, amounting to Rs 200 crore in the first phase, constitutes contempt of the High Court. He urges the administration to take this matter seriously and issue necessary orders. Every year, on Dhammachakra Pravartan Day at Dikshabhoomi, various programs including Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti and Mahaparinirvana Divas are organized. A large number of followers from India and abroad attend these events. However, due to inadequate facilities such as accommodation, food, toilets, and transportation, followers have faced numerous challenges for many years, as highlighted by Adv. Naranware in his PIL.