Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has geared-up its ambitious plan to redevelop 75 playgrounds and 75 gardens as part of its Amrit Mahotsav year as the civic body has decided to roll out Phase-1 of the plan. Under the initial phase, the civic body will redevelop 12 major public gardens across the city into modern, eco-friendly green spaces equipped with solar power infrastructure and rainwater harvesting systems. To ensure self-sufficiency and reduce carbon footprint, the NMC will install rooftop solar panels over existing structures, pergolas, or yog sheds within the gardens. Designed to blend seamlessly with the landscape aesthetics, the solar systems will power night-time illumination and garden operations with battery backup. 

 

Additionally, direct rainwater harvesting recharge pits will be constructed adjacent to existing wells and borewells to replenish local groundwater tables. In a recent review meeting, Mayor Neeta Thakre directed civic officials to utilise the opportunity to create Olympic-standard sports facilities and ensure every playground is equipped with rainwater harvesting, toilets and adequate parking. Speaking with ‘The Hitavada’, Amol Chaurpagar, Garden Superintendent, NMC said, “Administrative approvals for the initial 12 gardens are scheduled to be finalised by the end of August, followed by the tendering process next month.” Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, civic official Rathod stated that the upcoming spaces will move beyond traditional layouts to offer specialised thematic experiences across all assembly segments.

 

“NMC is planning to develop theme-based gardens across the city, identifying two prominent gardens in each of the six legislative constituencies. These spaces will feature distinct concepts such as rock gardens, butterfly parks, glow gardens, and Nakshatra Vans. The detailed project reports are being curated to integrate rainwater recharge pits and solar installations into the thematic designs,” said Ganesh Rathod, Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Garden Department. Under this phase, out of 12 gardens, NMC has planned to redevelop six existing gardens located at Shivaji Nagar Garden, Bharatmata and Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Park, Khode Udyan, Mahatma Phule Garden Suyog Nagar, Balbhavan Garden, and Traffic Park. Whereas, Garden Department has issued the list of six new gardens including Shivgiri Park, Kalamna Garden, Nirmal Nagari Garden, Chinchbhavan Garden, Byramji Town Garden, and Gurudev Nagar Garden. The project encompasses a mix of greenfield developments and brownfield upgrades of reserved park spaces. Once Phase-1 tenders are awarded, the civic administration plans to expand the planned framework across remaining municipal zones.