Following violent protests, the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has opted to halt the contentious underground parking project at Deekshabhoomi. This conclusion was reached in a recent meeting with the Dr. Ambedkar Smarak Samiti and sparked considerable debate in the Maharashtra Assembly.
The protests started on July 1, when thousands of people from different Ambedkarite groups gathered at Deekshabhoomi to protest the construction of an underground parking lot. They said the project would harm the Stupa and the Bodhi Tree. The Opposition, led by members of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), brought up the issue in the Assembly, demanding that the State Government stop all construction right away.
According to an NIT official, the trust has agreed to follow the Samiti’s decision. NIT has sent a proposal to the Maharashtra Government and is now waiting for approval.
Dr. Ambedkar Smarak Samiti Secretary Rajendra Gavai blamed a group of Ambedkarite followers for the protests. He disclosed that the Samiti had chosen to abandon the current development and beautification plan in favor of a new one. He also mentioned that during the meeting with NIT officials, it was decided to cancel all proposed underground structures like the museum and auditorium included in the original plan. “We will also fill up the site where the underground parking was being constructed. Our goal is to level the site within the next 15-20 days after getting the Government’s approval,” Gavai stated.
Gavai also noted the significant cost of the underground parking project, estimated at around Rs 20-22 crore, which would now be wasted. He emphasized the importance of restoring the site before this year’s ‘Dhammachakra Pravartan Din’ celebration at Deekshabhoomi in October. “We do not want to wait until then, and the leveling work will be done urgently. The decision was made after considering the sentiments of the people,” he added.