A dedicated budget head will be created for the proposed four-phase redevelopment of Deekshabhoomi, informed Chandrashekhar Bawankule, State Revenue Minister on Saturday while reviewing the preliminary blueprint prepared by the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA). Bawankule said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had directed the creation of a separate budget provision for the project during the forthcoming Winter Session of the Maharashtra Legislature. An initial allocation of Rs 12 crore has already been earmarked for the redevelopment exercise.

 

Bawankule said the preliminary blueprint would be circulated among members of the Deekshabhoomi Trust and public representatives, including Ramtek MP Shyam Barve, for suggestions and feedback. Stakeholders will be given 15 days to submit their recommendations before the plan is finalised. According to the proposed schedule, the final blueprint is expected to be ready by October 5. A meeting of the district-level committee is likely to be held on October 7 or 8, followed by a meeting of the state-level high-powered committee later in the month. The proposal will subsequently be placed before the committee headed by the Chief Minister for final approval. Under the proposed plan, the first two phases will focus on development works on land already available with the authorities. The third and fourth phases will require acquisition of additional land currently belonging to the Health Department and the Central Government. Bawankule said further funds would be provided as required for the project.