Vidhan Bhavan project: Green activists strongly opposing taking over of existing parking land

 

 

Environment activists of Nagpur raised voice against the proposal for conversion of the existing lush green land for expansion of the Vidhan Bhavan in Sitabuldi area. Around 20 green activists submitted objection letter to Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) against the advertisement issued by the NMC regarding change of land use for Khasra No 283 in Sitabuldi area. In the letter, the activists claimed that existing parking land is extremely crucial for planned urban development. The lush green parking land plays an important role in reducing traffic congestion, ensuring orderly parking, and supporting sustainable urban growth by mandating adequate space for vehicles in developed area. Recently, NMC approved the transfer of 2,033 sq. mt. of its prime land near Zero Mile to the Maharashtra Legislature Secretariat for the long-awaited Vidhan Bhavan expansion project.

 

The triangular plot, located at Mouza Sitabuldi (City Survey No. 1855/1), lies adjacent to the existing Vidhan Bhavan complex and the iconic Zero Mile, making it a strategically vital location for the State Government’s ambitious expansion plan. The land, owned by NMC, was originally reserved for parking in the city’s sanctioned development plan. It was also part of the Zero Mile area development project undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD). In exchange, NMC will receive 938.91 sq. mt. of alternative land from the Government Printing Press premises, including 797 sq. mt. and an adjoining 141.91 sq. mt. plot near Zero Mile, which will be developed as a multi-level parking facility. Now, the green activists are demanding development of the land as parking lot instead of giving it for the Vidhan Bhavan project. They also stated in the letter that green spaces are essential components of urban planning. Such green areas significantly help in reducing pollution levels and provide numerous environmental benefits. Green activists also requested the civic body to keep the land as it is for better health of citizens.