HCC allows NMC to carry out beautification, development works 

 

Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will establish the Great Trigonometric Survey Museum adjoining Zero Mile Stone as part of is beautification and development project. The Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC), during its meeting held on Wednesday, gave the green signal to the civic body for carrying out the ambitious development work that would further enhance beauty of the heritage site. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is providing funds from its CSR Head to NMC for the necessary work at Zero Mile Stone. A meeting of HCC was held at NMC Headquarters in Civil Lines under Chairmanship of Anoop Kumar. Municipal Commissioner Dr Abhijeet Chaudhari and others were present. NMC has roped in Architect Paramjit Singh Ahuja for overseeing the beautification and development work from conservation point of view. Ar Ahuja gave a presentation to the HCC meeting about the proposed plan and how post completion, it will add to charm of the heritage Stone.

 

The Zero Mile Stone is testament to Great Trigonometric survey undertaken during British rule to measure the distance of major cities from Nagpur. The survey started in year 1907 and the stone in city indicates distance of nine major cities of country, which incidentally are equidistant. In the past, some citizens worried about dilapidated state of the Zero Mile Stone had suggested setting up the Trigonometric Survey Museum. This, they said, will add to the prestige of the hestoric site and ensure good footfall. Further, as per the plan, parking facility will also be created so that people do not face trouble while visiting Zero Mile Stone. Also Ar Ahuja has conceptualised setting up an amphitheatre and a food court to ensure that visitors can have a quality time at the Zero Mile Stone.

 

The amphitheatre can screen documentary on Great Trigonometric Survey. Post finalisation of the plan, the same will be presented to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, stated Municipal Commissioner at the meeting. Leena Upadhaye, Member Secretary; Anand Bang, advisor to CM joined via video link. Vijay Shende, Joint Director, Town Planning; Satish Mallick, Superintendent, Archaeological Survey of India; Mayuresh Khandagale, Assistant Director, Department of Archaeology; Dr Madhura Rathod, Dr Shubha Johri, Bhupendra Parmar, Survey of India office; Kiran Raut, Deputy Director, Town Planning, NMC; Manoj Talewar, Superintending Engineer, PWD, NMC; Ruturaj Jadhav, Assistant Director, Town Planning, were also present in the meeting.