At a time when the city’s healthcare and educational sectors are in dire need of robust investment, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) chose to spend a staggering Rs 4.54 crore on vertical gardens at 15 spots across the city. While the civic administration claims it as a step towards urban ‘beautification,’ many argue that these funds could have been better utilised to fortify essential public services. Project scope and relocation hurdles The civic body initially sanctioned Rs 4.91 crore for this ambitious green initiative, eventually awarding a work order of Rs 4.54 crore to Dessons Autotech Private Limited.

 

The contract includes not just the installation but also the maintenance of these vertical walls for a period of two years. Currently, work is nearing completion at 14 of the 15 designated locations. However, the project at Chinchbhavan has hit a roadblock due to ongoing flyover construction, necessitating a relocation. According to sources, NMC is scouting for alternative sites and has already received a formal proposal from the Dharampeth Zone to host the garden in their jurisdiction. 

 

 

The project, which began in October 2025 with a strict 10-month deadline, is being overseen by project engineer Abhinay Nakhate. Prashant Sonkusre, Executive Engineer, Garden Department stated that, “The vertical gardens are a ‘theme for city’ designed to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal. The project serves a functional purpose of preventing the dumping of garbage into nullahs by transforming those specific areas into manicured green zones.” Sonkusre added, “We have installed high-length grid to prevent the saplings from being stoolen.” Sahil Gaikwad, a resident pointed out that, “Rs 4.54 crore could significantly upgrade medical equipment in municipal hospitals or improve the infrastructure of struggling NMC-run schools. They have prioritised temporary aesthetic upgrades over long-term human development.” As the deadline approaches, the sight of lush green walls against the backdrop of underfunded public institutions remains a stark reminder of the city’s complex developmental priorities.

 

Rs 4.54 crore allocated for vertical gardens represents a missed opportunity for cross-sectoral development. Instead of a full-scale commercial contract, NMC could have collaborated with local NGOs which are already experienced in urban greening. By providing partial financial grants to these organisations, the corporation could have leveraged volunteer manpower and community-driven maintenance models at a fraction of current cost. The surplus crores could then have been diverted to fill critical gaps in municipal healthcare or primary education, ensuring that ‘beautification’ does not come at the expense of basic human dignity.