The Jai Stambh (Victory Pillar), a historic monument erected on August 15, 1947, to commemorate India’s Independence, is today in a deplorable condition, drawing concern from citizens and heritage enthusiasts. Once a proud symbol of freedom, the pink-stone structure now bears signs of neglect, with algae growth, accumulated dirt and visible deterioration marring its appearance.
Residents allege that maintenance efforts by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) are largely confined to occasional clean-up exercises ahead of national celebrations. These measures, they say, are superficial and fail to address the monument’s long-term preservation and restoration needs.
Concerns over the monument’s fate date back to 2013, when the Jai Stambh was shifted from its original location to facilitate the construction of the Ramjhula flyover. Since then, citizens claim the structure has received little attention despite its historical significance.
Jai Stambhs were erected in major cities across the country to mark India’s Independence. In Nagpur, however, the monument’s deteriorating condition has become a matter of concern for local residents. Social activist Deepak Lalwani has urged the authorities to take immediate steps to protect and restore the structure, which is currently located near the SBI Bank close to the Railway Station.
Lalwani has appealed to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to intervene and ensure the conservation and beautification of the historic monument so that it can continue to serve as a symbol of the nation’s freedom and heritage.
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