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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Narrower Roads, Vanishing Spaces: 186 Public Utility Plots Deleted In Nagpur DP Revision
Nagpur: In a city where even the widest roads now feel choked due to rampant roadside parking, the deletion of 23 reserved parking plots from Nagpur's Development Plan (DP) is raising serious alarm. The irony runs deeper — as vehicular population surges and traffic congestion worsens, the civic body has quietly erased 186 plots originally earmarked for key public amenities, including those meant to ease urban pressure. Nearly 25 years after Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) crafted the 2000 DP to ensure a liveable and well-serviced city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is now revising that vision — but not without controversy. A detailed review of the 2000 DP reveals that reservations for playgrounds, parks, schools, health centres, fire stations, libraries, markets, and even plots for CRPF camps and air cargo hubs have been axed or merged — with little public explanation. The 2000 DP had earmarked 882 plots specifically for such civic infrastructure. These included 86 land parcels for parking, 166 for playgrounds, 23 for sports activities, 26 for gardens, and 11 for fire stations — reflecting a conscious attempt to create a balanced and accessible urban environment. However, in the revised draft, only about 696 of these reservations may remain. Over the years, the NMC reportedly deleted the reservations. Among the most heavily affected are playgrounds (27 deletions), parking lots (23), 13 primary schools, 10 secondary schools, 9 parks, and 8 gardens. Notably, several of these vanished plots were located in newly developing localities — precisely where public infrastructure is urgently needed. The revised Development Plan is being formulated to earmark land for public amenities such as playgrounds, parking spaces, and schools, based on projected population growth over the next 20 years. However, Nagpur's vehicular population has already crossed 21 lakh, putting immense pressure on the existing infrastructure. In response, NMC has begun designating on-street parking zones across 51 roads in the city, which can collectively accommodate about 17,500 vehicles — including 13,500 two-wheelers and 4,000 four-wheelers. Urban planners argue this is a reactive move that falls far short of addressing long-term mobility needs in a rapidly growing city. Urban planners and citizen groups warn the deletions will not only accelerate inequity but also push Nagpur further away from its Smart City goals. "You can build flyovers and lay expressways, but without parks, schools, and clinics, urban life becomes unsustainable," said a former NIT planner who was part of the original DP team. "By deleting these reservations, we are dismantling the civic architecture of the future. " Even spaces reserved for the dis-housed, slaughterhouses, and an ambitious air cargo hub near the airport have disappeared from the plan, highlighting a trend where real estate pressures appear to be outweighing public needs. A former town planner from the NMC admitted that some plots in the 2000 DP may have overlapped with previously allotted residential land, which was challenged in the high court. "Yes, the earlier DP had its flaws. But it at least acknowledged the city's long-term needs. The new deletions seem less about corrections and more about commercial convenience," he said. Citizens are now urging the NMC to restore these reservations or provide adequate substitutions. "Once these plots are deregulated, they're lost forever to private developers. No one comes back later and sets up a school or park," said a housing rights activist. With the draft DP currently open for public suggestions and objections, pressure is mounting on the NMC to clarify its rationale and ensure transparency in the planning process. "City planning isn't just about land use — it's about people's right to a dignified life," said a member of a local civic group. "Those 186 missing plots aren't numbers. They are lost opportunities for a fairer, healthier, and more liveable Nagpur. " Unless rectified, planners warn, the revised DP could transform Nagpur into a dense, concrete city — efficient in form, but hollow in function.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
HC Plea Seeks Resumption Of Non-Parking Works At Deekshabhoomi
Nagpur: Amid a state-imposed stay on the controversial underground parking project at Deekshabhoomi, a fresh plea was filed in Nagpur bench of Bombay high court urging the govt to resume other halted works unrelated to the parking structure. The application was submitted during the hearing of a pending PIL concerning Deekshabhoomi's overall development. Advocate Shailesh Narnaware argued that while the parking component remains contested, several crucial elements of the master plan were also stalled unnecessarily. "Only the parking facility has been stayed. The govt must proceed with other planned works by holding cabinet meetings, completing procedural approvals, and releasing necessary funds," he urged. The plea also sheds light for the first time on a previously undisclosed land-use proposal. According to documents now on record, the master plan developed by Noida-based Design Associates Incorporated was based on a total of 37.84 acres. This includes the existing 22.80 acres with Deekshabhoomi, along with 11 acres from the health department and 3.84 acres from the Cotton Research Institute. Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has been identified as the implementing agency. A Deekshabhoomi Smarak Samiti member earlier wrote to the district collector seeking formal transfer of the additional land and administrative approval for the Rs325.86 crore master plan. The court is expected to consider the plea in upcoming hearings.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt waives 2% ground rent on Gokulpeth Mkt, NIT Sanskrutik Sankul redevpt projects
1 2 3 Nagpur: The Maharashtra govt has given the green signal for two major urban projects in Nagpur — the redevelopments of Gokulpeth Market, and Nagpur Improvement Trust's (NIT) Sanskrutik Sankul at Ambazari — by granting special financial relaxations to ensure the projects' viability. The govt has waived off the 2% ground rent criteria for both projects, making them more viable for businesses. The Gokulpeth Market project is moving forward on a 50-50 profit-sharing basis between Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), following the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Sale (DBFOMS) model. Under the approved proposal, the govt has waived the ground rent (bhubatka) dues under the Nagpur Improvement Trust Land Disposal Rules, 1983, making the ambitious projects financially feasible. According to a NIT official, NIT charges 2% ground rent per year to its leaseholders, which has now been waived off by the govt for these two projects. "This means that the businesses, which will buy into the new commercial complex, will not have to pay these charges, which was a burden on them. It makes the project more viable," said the official, adding that even the govt will not suffer as it is getting a one-time lump-sum payment in these projects. According to the resolution, Rs50.88 crore worth of ground rent for Gokulpeth Market redevelopment, located at Mouza Gadga (Survey No. 28/1), has been relaxed. Similarly, for the redevelopment and renovation of the NIT Sanskrutik Sankul at North Ambazari Road, ground rent amounting to Rs25.34 crore has been waived. A NIT official said that the Rs50.88 crore and Rs25.34 crore was waived off on the basis of current ready reckoner rates in these areas. The state has used the special powers granted under Rule 26 of the 1983 regulations to provide this exemption, considering both projects' financial viability and public benefit. A 14-member committee chaired by the NIT chairman and the NMC commissioner was earlier formed to oversee and make decisions related to the projects' financial structuring. The committee was empowered to submit proposals to the govt, which, after approvals from the NIT board, have now been cleared by the state authorities. Officials say the redevelopment of the Gokulpeth Market, estimated to cost more than Rs1,100 crore, aims to transform the busy commercial hub into a modern facility with upgraded infrastructure, benefiting both vendors and shoppers. Similarly, the redevelopment of the NIT Sanskrutik Sankul, estimated to cost around Rs320 crore on North Ambazari Road is expected to revitalise the space as a key cultural and recreational landmark in the city. The projects are expected to significantly boost Nagpur's urban landscape, with the govt intervention ensuring that financial hurdles no longer delay their execution.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Olympic level swimming pool among two coming up in city
1 2 3 Nagpur: Swimming enthusiasts in the city have a reason to cheer as two new swimming pools, including an Olympic-level one, are set to come up in the city in the next few Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) is currently building two swimming pools, one at Old Bagadganj and another at Ahuja Nagar, two new pools will provide major relief to swimming enthusiasts, as currently only one pool is mainly used by the citizens. The NIT's swimming pool on North Ambazari Road sees a heavy rush during summers. "There are other pools in the city, but many of them are not operational," said a source."Work for both the swimming pools has already started, and they will be a great addition to the city's swimming infrastructure," said NIT Olympic-size or international-level pool, measuring 21 metres by 50 metres, is being built at Old Bagadganj at the cost of Rs17.34 crore. Two work orders for the project were awarded in September and October last year with a 10-month project deadline."Currently, the pool and side walls work is underway, and the work is likely to be completed by September or October," said NIT NIT was earlier planning to complete the work by early August, but it is likely to be delayed. The project cost was Rs17.34 crore, but NIT awarded the work order at 22.15% below. So far, NIT has received Rs11.73 crore for the project and spent around Rs2.32 crore, while Rs5.60 crore funds are international-level swimming pool will give a major boost to professional swimmers in the city, as they too will be able to use the facility once it is completed. The other swimming pool is being built on the premises of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Sport Complex in Ahuja Nagar, Indora. The project is being implemented at the cost of Rs5 crore, while the work order for it was awarded at Rs3.76 crore (13.96% below)."The swimming pool is ready; just the work on changing rooms and bathrooms is remaining and ongoing. The project is on track and is likely to be completed by the end of the month," said NIT NIT has received Rs5 crore for the project, of which Rs3.30 crore has been spent. The size of the swimming pool is 13 metres by 25 metres and could also be used by professional swimmers preparing for national and international Swimming enthusiasts in the city have a reason to cheer as two new swimming pools, including an Olympic-level one, are set to come up in the city in the next few Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) is currently building two swimming pools, one at Old Bagadganj and another at Ahuja Nagar, two new pools will provide major relief to swimming enthusiasts, as currently only one pool is mainly used by the citizens. The NIT's swimming pool on North Ambazari Road sees a heavy rush during summers. "There are other pools in the city, but many of them are not operational," said a source."Work for both the swimming pools has already started, and they will be a great addition to the city's swimming infrastructure," said NIT Olympic-size or international-level pool, measuring 21 metres by 50 metres, is being built at Old Bagadganj at the cost of Rs17.34 crore. Two work orders for the project were awarded in September and October last year with a 10-month project deadline."Currently, the pool and side walls work is underway, and the work is likely to be completed by September or October," said NIT NIT was earlier planning to complete the work by early August, but it is likely to be delayed. The project cost was Rs17.34 crore, but NIT awarded the work order at 22.15% below. So far, NIT has received Rs11.73 crore for the project and spent around Rs2.32 crore, while Rs5.60 crore funds are international-level swimming pool will give a major boost to professional swimmers in the city, as they too will be able to use the facility once it is completed. The other swimming pool is being built on the premises of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Sport Complex in Ahuja Nagar, Indora. The project is being implemented at the cost of Rs5 crore, while the work order for it was awarded at Rs3.76 crore (13.96% below)."The swimming pool is ready; just the work on changing rooms and bathrooms is remaining and ongoing. The project is on track and is likely to be completed by the end of the month," said NIT NIT has received Rs5 crore for the project, of which Rs3.30 crore has been spent. The size of the swimming pool is 13 metres by 25 metres and could also be used by professional swimmers preparing for national and international tournaments.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Time of India
Elderly couple falls on cratered road, injured
Nagpur: A 68-year-old man and his 58-year-old wife suffered injuries after slipping off their two-wheeler on Sunday while navigating the broken stretch of road outside their home in Aradhana Nagar-1, Manewada-Besa Road. The locals shared disturbing visuals showing crater-sized potholes, stagnant sewage water, and a road surface so eroded that it resembles a dumping yard more than a city street. The visuals show gaping potholes filled with foul-smelling water, garbage-choked drains, and no motorable path. With monsoon weeks away, residents fear the situation could turn catastrophic. The accident triggered fresh outrage from local residents, who said the road has been in ruins for over five years despite repeated complaints to the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Senior officials from NIT and NMC expressed helplessness, stating that the locality was settled in the area meant for gardens and playgrounds. "Hence the residents are being deprived of basic amenities," they said. The injured have been identified as Vijay Sadashiv Warade (68) and his wife Vandana (58). Their son, Bhushan Warade, a resident of the same locality, has written multiple letters to authorities warning about the deteriorating condition of the stretch between Shivkrupa Nagar and Aradhana Nagar-1. "My parents had left the house on a two-wheeler when it skidded off loose gravel and water-logged muck. This is not an accident — this is the result of criminal civic negligence," a miffed Bhushan Warade told TOI. Warade has been writing to Nagpur Improvement Trust since February 2 this year, urging the agency to de-reserve a portion of land (Mouza Manewada, Khasra No. 81/1) that remains tagged in the development plan and has blocked basic infrastructure work. However, NIT's responses dated March 26 and April 21 dismissed the urgency, citing procedural delays and fund constraints. In his follow-up letters, local residents slammed the hypocrisy, pointing out that similar reservations were lifted in Khamla (Khasra Nos. 82–95) and the land was approved for residential use — a move backed by NIT's own letter. "When it comes to south Nagpur, we're told there's no budget or legal clarity. But in other parts of the city, they bend rules and clear files overnight," he said. Locals are now demanding that NIT urgently submit a Section 37 proposal to the state govt to lift the reservation and initiate road construction. "If NIT and NMC wait for someone to die before acting, we'll hold them accountable. We deserve dignity and safety, not neglect and excuses," local residents demanded.
