Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden in shambles

‘Bharat Ratna’ Lata Mangeshkar is the shining jewel in Indian music arena and it is only apt that there is a special garden in her name in Nagpur. Her fans rejoiced when Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden was inaugurated in Surya Nagar on Kalmana Market Road. Sadly, today, the garden is in shambles. It has become a victim of neglect. A beautiful picture of Lata Didi, who celebrated her 90th birthday recently, welcomes visitors to the garden. The message, “Lata’s melodies have become ‘Amrut’ to ears, her songs have been embedded in minds of all, her musical seven notes have ruled everywhere, 20th Century has been truly blessed,” makes the visitors curious.

But, as soon as they alight the steps to approach garden, total disappointment hits them hard. Utter neglect towards proper upkeep and management of what could have the city’s happening place, makes one not only sad but also furious. The basement where the huge idol of Lord Nataraja is placed, is filled with accumulated rainwater from where foul smell emanates. The authorities concerned might not have had the ‘leisure’ to pump out the water.

A small rock-like structure behind Nataraja’s statue wears the look of an abandoned idea. The replica (statues) of many animals and birds are installed in and around the garden. All of them are completely damaged. The splinters of damaged portions of these statues are lying scattered on the ground. The huge pillar erected in the centre resembles the musical instrument flute. On the top of the flute, a statue of cuckoo grabs attention of visitors.

But, again, lack of maintenance presents a sorry picture of rusted pillar. The replica of musical instruments like Tabla, Veena, harmonium, drum, etc., installed around the huge pillar also are damaged. The platform on which instruments are installed is encroached upon by growth of vegetation. Gulabrao Telang, a retired Government employee who is a regular visitor and fan of Lata Mangeshkar, expressed his concern over apathy of authorities concerned towards proper maintenance of garden name after a music legend. Saloni Deshmukh, who is doing her Arts course, told ‘The Hitavada’ that the artistic structure of the garden attracted people but negligence of the authorities in Second Capital of Maharashtra made one sad. Srividya Iyer, a college student and a singer from Nagpur, observed that if the garden was maintained well, it would be the best venue for conducting musical programmes.

Nitu Bisen, a young mother, pointed out that even the electric switch-board was not properly closed, posing a great risk to children who play nearby. Previously, there was a fountain system in place to entertain the visitors. Presently, the system is dysfunctional. The people who spoke to ‘The Hitavada’, suggested the authorities to collect entry fee and use it in maintenance of garden. They also demanded authorities concerned to look into the matter and initiate action to restore glory of the garden. Amol Chaurpagar, Garden Superintendent of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, told ‘The Hitavada’ that Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden came under Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), and the authorities concerned could comment on the issue.

Vinayak Zade, who handles additional charge of Garden Superintendent of NIT, admitted that the condition of the 20-years-old garden was poor. However, he said that the process of handing over the garden to NMC was in progress. “The letter regarding the same has been sent,” he said. Thus, both the authorities -- NMC and NIT -- ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to pointed finger at each other instead of taking any initiative. A source said that NMC had published tender regarding renovation works of garden. As Model Code of Conduct for State Legislative Assembly is in force, renovation works stand delayed. Whatever might be the case, one thing is clear that city has failed miserably in proper upkeep of its infrastructure. like Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden.