Despite strong political opposition, the Maharashtra government has cleared the path for the ₹235 crore international convention centre in Dabha, Nagpur, by officially changing the land use of the project site.
In a recent notification issued under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, the Urban Development Department (UDD) approved converting the agricultural land for infrastructure use. The massive project, spearheaded by the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), will now rise on 59,360 square meters of land belonging to College of Agriculture, under Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola.
Planned as a high-profile hub for farmers, researchers, and agri-entrepreneurs, the convention centre will include a world-class exhibition hall, conference facilities, research spaces, a business lounge, food court, VIP zones, pickup/drop-off points, and dedicated parking.
However, the project has not come without conflict. Congress MLA Vikas Thakre—who represents West Nagpur—vehemently opposed the centre, calling it a misuse of precious agricultural land. He raised the issue in the state legislature during the monsoon session. But with the state now officially sanctioning the land use change, the project has moved past all legal hurdles, leaving Thakre politically cornered.
While the government celebrates a step toward infrastructure growth, critics allege that public opposition and land concerns have been sidelined in the name of development. Construction is expected to move swiftly in the coming months.
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