The Vande Mataram garden being constructed in the heart of the city, on land of the erstwhile Empress Mill in Bajeria, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by brave soldiers of Indian armed forces, has become a vicitm of apathy on part of the civic authorities. The ‘Bhoomipujan’ ceremony of the project was carried out in February 2022 in presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Highways and Road Transport, and the work was supposed to finish by August 2023 at the cost of Rs 15 crore. A replica of the well based on Jallianwala Bagh, a laser show projected on chimney of Empress Mill on theme of science's utility to military, informative plaques of 116 gallantry award winning soldiers, a children’s park, and an amphitheater were to be the main attractions of the garden. The project today lies in an incomplete state as work is stalled for past few months.

 

 

 

The compound is filled with grown, unkempt bushes surrounding all the major attractions. The installed plaques have lost their shine and the laser show is yet to be installed. The installed slides in the children’s park, comparatively in good condition, are awaiting arrival of children to play and make use of them. Upon inquiry, Amol Chaurpagar, Garden Superintendent of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), refused to comment on the delay in opening the garden or the reasons for the delay. The garden lies in a dilapidated state. It is well marked with a boundary wall on all sides for protection from encroachment. The whole space is filled with grown bushes. Only bush-free area of the garden, the amphitheater, is being used as a cricket ground by children from the neighbourhood. Some local residents expressed their displeasure over the sorry state of the garden.

 

Prashant, a youngster from the neighbourhood said, “The garden was also intended to act as an Oxygen Park and a place to relax for the residents in the surrounding. Dignitaries who performed the bhoomipujan with much fanfare should also pay attention towards the successful completion of the project.” The project was initiated under the leadership of Dayashankar Tiwari, former Mayor of the city. He remained unavailable for a comment. With funds shortage obvious reason for the contractor running behind schedule, the cost of the project is sure to increase, than initial estimates. This comes as yet another sound example of the waste of public money in the city due to delays in completing project or seemingly improper planning on part of planners. To avoid further loss of money, its imperative that the garden is constructed as soon as possible.