The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has proposed modifications to the city’s Development Plan (DP), sparking widespread public outrage. The plan aims to convert land originally reserved for essential public amenities into residential zones, raising concerns among local residents.
The affected areas, located in Khasra Nos. 82-95 (P) in mouza Khamla, were initially designated for a garden (SW-121), a parking facility (SW-120), a primary school (SW-119), and a 12-meter-wide road. Residents argue that the proposed reallocation prioritizes private interests over public welfare.
The existing DP, approved by the Maharashtra government on September 10, 2001, was designed to cater to the city’s growing population. However, the proposed changes appear to benefit a private developer at the expense of crucial public amenities.
One of the most contentious aspects of the proposal is the removal of the parking reservation (SW-120) near Khamla market. This facility was planned to address chronic traffic congestion and illegal parking issues in the area. Eliminating it is expected to worsen these problems, leading to severe traffic bottlenecks and increased risks for pedestrians and motorists.
Additionally, the designated garden (SW-121) serves as a vital green space for residents of Khamla, Jaiprakash Nagar, and Sahakar Nagar. Locals fear that its conversion into a residential zone will strip the community of much-needed open spaces, impacting both environmental and public health.
Citizens and urban planners have urged authorities to reconsider the proposed modifications and prioritize community needs over commercial interests.