NMC’s push for 18-storey Sokhta Bhavan complex endangers Gandhibagh garden

 

 

 

Yet another green space in city is under threat as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is pressing ahead with plan for developing mega commercial complex (G+18+Terrace) at Sokhta Bhavan land in Gandhibagh. The land parcel abutting Central Avenue is a whopping 35,785.47 sq mtrs. As the site is located in prime wholesale market area of city, NMC is eyeing generation of substantial revenue, upwards of Rs. 224 crore from this venture. The developer would get FSI of 4 as per Transit Oriented Development (ToD) policy. The project envisages construction of a 18-storey commercial tower, as NMC has secured clearance for a 80 metre building height from Airports Authority of India (AAI). The construction cost is estimated by NMC to be around Rs 141.69 crore. The scheme is being developed on public, private partnership (PPP) model wherein NMC said that the developer would design, build, sell, maintain the commercial complex.

 

hile the design life for new complex is estimated to be 50 years, the defect liability period for developer will be 10 years. As part of its policy to monetise its land bank, NMC is overlooking one crucial aspect--the diversion of a significant portion of land of Gandhibagh garden. The existing Sokhta Bhavan lies in tatters due to non-maintenance by the civic body and it abuts the Gandhibagh garden, the only green space in the wholesale market area of city that is bustling at seams, perhaps due to over development. Putting aside objections from the locals, NMC, in the proposed development map, has included adjacent garden land to make the project more lucrative for the prospective builders. This belies the promise given to citizens that no portion of Gandhibagh garden would be included in commercial complex project. Already, NMC has failed in providing sufficient parking space in the market areas of city and Sokhta Bhavan land could have been used for development of said facility, stated Raman Paigwar. He has formed Gandhibagh Garden Bachao Samiti, while seeking review of need for commercial complex in wholesale market area. He said, Gandhibagh and Itwari area lack open spaces.

 

Hence, its all the more necessary to protect every inch of Gandhibagh garden. But the civic body officials are more keen on generating revenue from its land bank rather than fulfilling their basic duty of ensuring adequate facilities for citizens. Meanwhile, NMC said the Sokhta Bhavan land lies in the commercial heart of city and can be attractive destination for citizens in East Nagpur, once shopping mall and restaurants are opened in the said complex. The mega commercial tower on Central Avenue can also house multiplex or single screen theatres, besides shopping mall and recreational centres. The developer will get 36 months to wrap-up the construction of the complex. For the multi-storey building, the prospective developer will have to get environmental clearance and NMC clearly spelt it out that no extension in completion deadline would be provided, even in case of delay in securing necessary clearances. The sale of entire commercial complex has to be completed within a 8-year period, post which in case of any unsold units the developer would be responsible for bearing stamp duty charges. Anil Gedam, Executive Engineer, NMC, said the project tender is being floated for the first time. When questioned about inclusion of adjoining garden land, Gedam said the initial plan was revised and no green space would be needed for the development of commercial complex. But a cursory look at the project map released by NMC for Sokhta Bhavan clearly shows that garden land is marked out as part of the plot area offered for development of mega commercial complex.

 

Pool, gym, gaming zone, food court at new Sokhta Bhavan The plan finalised by NMC has proposed development of a swimming pool on the terrace floor, that is, the 18th. The existing Sokhta Bhavan already has a pool, one that has been abandoned long back by the civic body. Besides the pool, NMC has also proposed a gymnasium, a gaming zone and food court on the terrace. The total area for all these facilities is proposed at 540 sq mtrs. Also, NMC has plans for a clubhouse on the top floor. On the 17th floor, NMC plans to house Citizen Facilitation Centre. Additionally, it would house a small auditorium and also the NMC office. The existing Sokhta Bhavan had a hall that used to be fully functional till it was abandoned by NMC. Also, it used to house Gandhibagh Zonal Office till it was relocated to Mahal area. For office, the civic body has envisaged space of 473 sq mtrs and 529 sq mtrs of space in the proposed complex for auditorium.