Opposition to underground parking Sparks public outcry, halts work at Deekshabhoomi
| Date :02-Jul-2024 |
Staff Reporter
Beautification and renovation work at Deekshabhoomi, costing Rs 214 crore, has triggered a major controversy. The initial phase of the construction of underground parking faced opposition over concerns that it might damage the Deekshabhoomi stupa and Bodhi tree. For the past 15 days, various organisations have voiced displeasure which culminated in widespread public anger on Monday. Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar from across the city converged at Deekshabhoomi and chanted slogans and vandalised ongoing development and construction work. The City Police officials quickly intervened, but faced massive protests, workers launched a sit-in protest and demanded an immediate halt to the parking project until assurances were met. Responding to public sentiment, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Deekshabhoomi Memorial committee quickly decided to suspend all construction activities and issued a formal letter to this effect. The matter escalated in the Legislative Assembly, where Congress MLA and ex-Minister Dr Nitin Raut raised the issue. As a result, Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) and Guardian Minister of Nagpur Devendra Fadnavis announced an immediate suspension of the ongoing construction work.
A comprehensive meeting with the Committee is slated to ensure consensus moving forward. However, despite the government’s announcement, Ambedkarite followers remained at the site until late evening. It may be mentioned here that the State Government allocated Rs 214 crore for Deekshabhoomi’s beautification and renovation and the construction commenced six months ago. The project is planned in two phases, beginning with underground parking, which sparked outcry about potential damage to the stupa and Bodhi tree. Further worries centered on water accumulation endangering the structure’s integrity and other anticipated future complications. The controversy intensified abruptly 15 days ago which draw officials from multiple organisations to protest at Deekshabhoomi. Despite efforts by the Committee to allay fears through meetings and assurances of safety measures with NMRDA and the government officials, discontent persisted which finally resulted into the protest.
The ‘Deekshabhoomi Bachao Andolan’ began which draw support from various groups including Bharatiya Buddhist Mahasabha and Samata Sainik Dal. Social media mobilisation culminated in a large gathering on July 1 at Deekshabhoomi, where protesters escalated their demands which led to acts of vandalism and arson at the development site. The Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal also arrived at the scene, but it was difficult to control the crowd. Meanwhile, the Committee issued a letter and decided to halt the construction work immediately in consideration of public sentiment. The letter bore signatures from everyone, including Secretary, and its contents were shown to protesters.
Wadettiwar joins protest
Opposition Leader in the Legislative Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar arrived at Deekshabhoomi and urged immediate cessation of the project. Criticising the Government’s handling of public sentiment, he stressed for respect and dialogue to resolve the impasse.