‘Change is the only constant’ they say, but this change is only good if it benefits the people. The city is undergoing change with ongoing developmental activities for past few years. But not all developmental work has borne fruit for the citizens. Deserted Amabazari garden, a place once vibrant with activities of citizens whole day, is an ideal example of how developmental work can change things but for worse. The ‘Aadya Krantiguru Lahuji Salve Ambazari garden’ was established in 1958 and is spread on bank of Ambazari lake.

 

The garden was managed by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) till 2017, when it was transferred to Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The MTDC leased the garden to Garuda Amusement Park Pvt Ltd in 2019 for redevelopment purpose. It was then that the access to garden was restricted for the public. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, citizens can access the garden in morning hours for walk and exercise purpose; and in evening hours for newly-developed light and sound show. The condition of the garden, though, remains abysmal. The green gym equipment, pathways and dust-bins are all broken, but more importantly, the garden lacks toilet facility for the visitors. The regular visitors of the garden have grown frustrated with the condition of the garden. “The garden was a breath of fresh air in the busy city where everyone could spend quality time.

 

The authorities have killed the garden with upgradation plan, that never materialised,” said Amit Ganvir, a regular visitor to the garden. Chetan Malviya, another visitor to the garden for last 12 years, echoed the sentiments. He said, “The condition of garden has deteriorated since pandemic. The sorry state of the garden must be changed for the benefit of the citizens.” The garden that was handed over to Garuda Amusement Park Pvt Ltd, has not shown any progress even after four years of the pandemic. The garden that once was bustling with crowd of young and old age, is now struggling for its existence because of the neglect of the authorities. The once favourite Ambazari Garden stands as a stark reminder that development without accountability is a disservice to the community. Until the responsible authorities, be it MTDC or Garuda Amusement Park Pvt Ltd, prioritise the needs of citizens and restore the garden to its former glory, this green space will remain a symbol of broken promises and lost potential, a testament to how easily progress can turn into regression.