Deekshabhoomi’s underground parking plan to be abandoned, site to be levelled in 20 days

Nagpur: After the recent protests, Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has decided to abandon the controversial underground parking project at Deekshabhoomi. This decision came at a meeting with the Dr Ambedkar Smarak Samiti (DASS) on Saturday, which followed significant backlash and discussions in the Maharashtra assembly.
The protests erupted on July 1, when thousands of people from various Ambedkarite organizations gathered at Deekshabhoomi to oppose the ongoing construction of the underground parking.They claimed that the project threatened the sanctity of the stupa and the Bodhi Tree. The issue was vehemently raised by the opposition benches led by Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) constituents in the assembly, who cornered the govt, demanding an immediate halt to all construction activities.

A senior NIT official told TOI, “We have decided to abide by the Samiti’s decision. We have sent a proposal to the Maharashtra government in this regard and are waiting for its approval.”
DASS secretary Rajendra Gavai blamed a section of Ambedkarite followers for the protests. He revealed that the Samiti had decided to abandon the current development and beautification plan, opting for a new one.
“During the meeting with NIT officials, it was decided to cancel all the proposed underground structures like the museum and auditorium mentioned in the original plan. We will also fill up the site where the underground parking was being constructed. Our target is to level the site within the next 15-20 days after receiving the govt’s approval,” he said.
Gavai also mentioned the significant expenditure incurred on the underground parking project, estimated to be around ₹20-22 crore, which would now go waste. He emphasized the importance of restoring the site before the celebration of this year’s ‘Dhammachakra Pravartan Din’ at Deekshabhoomi in October. “We do not want to wait till then, and the levelling work will be done on a war footing. The decision was taken after considering the sentiments of the people,” he added.