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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Vidhan Bhavan Extension Gets In-Principle Nod Of Heritage Panel
Nagpur: The heritage conservation committee granted in-principle approval on Wednesday for the long-awaited expansion of Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur — a significant step towards modernising the state legislature's Nagpur seat. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Under the plan, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will hand over approximately 2,000 sq m of its land to the state government. The panel also directed the civic body to coordinate with the Zero Mile redevelopment team to identify alternative land for parking arrangements. The Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC) will execute the expansion plan. Executive engineer of MSIDC N V Borkar, in a letter dated July 18, 2025, informed the NMC about a detailed presentation on the proposed construction at Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur. According to the government-approved heritage list, the site named "Vidhan Sabha, Nagpur" appears at serial number 15 and is listed under Grade I. The ownership of the heritage site rests with the government of Maharashtra. The meeting, chaired by former divisional commissioner Anoop Kumar, with NMC chief engineer Manoj Talewar as member secretary, also paved the way for the removal of illegal constructions along the historical Jumma Darwaza, popularly known as Gandhi Gate. Gandhibagh zone's assistant municipal commissioner, Ganesh Rathore, will be tasked with removing illegal structures abutting the iconic Jumma Darwaza. The Grade I listed gateway has faced repeated encroachments despite its status as a protected heritage asset. Equally historic was the panel's green light to the Nagpur Improvement Trust's ₹6.70 crore project to restore and beautify the neglected resting place of Gond King Bakht Buland Shah, the 18th-century founder of Nagpur, in Sakkardara. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Grade I heritage site, which also houses the graves of 27 royal family members, had languished in decay for decades. The revival plan promises structural restoration, landscaping, and amenities befitting its historical stature, more than three centuries after the king laid the city's foundations. The meeting also considered proposals to display historical information at the Zero Mile monument to increase public awareness, to host the 2025 Mahamarathon at the Grade II listed Kasturchand Park, and to organise Garba events there. The heritage committee, comprising experts, archaeologists, civic engineers, and representatives from INTACH and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), stressed that heritage development and urban expansion must move in tandem, with strict enforcement against encroachments and sensitive planning for public infrastructure.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Heritage committee clears Sadbhavna Daud, Ravan Dahan at Kasturchand Park with riders
1 2 Nagpur: The Heritage Conservation Committee, chaired by former divisional commissioner Anoop Kumar, on Wednesday, gave conditional clearance for organising Sadbhavna Daud and Ravan Dahan at the iconic Kasturchand Park, a Grade-I heritage site under govt ownership. While granting no-objection certificates (NOCs) to both Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavna Daud Organising Committee and Sanatan Dharma Yuvak Sabha, the panel attached a key rider — the organisers must secure separate approvals from the district collectorate and the state public works department (PWD) before proceeding. Besides this, the Sabha was asked to ensure lesser use of firecrackers, member secretary and NMC chief engineer Manoj Talewar told TOI after attending the meeting. Sadbhavna Daud will be organised on August 20, the birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The organising committee has sought 2000 sq mtr of land in Kasturchand Park for the event. The Ravan Dahan will be organised on October 2, 2025. The meeting, which reviewed 10 proposals concerning city heritage sites, also took up multiple requests from Central Railway, Nagpur Municipal Corporation, PWD, and INTACH Nagpur chapter for redevelopment, conservation, and public events at heritage-listed premises. The committee discussed at length Central Railway's request for restoration and redevelopment work at Nagpur Railway Station, a Grade-I heritage structure. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) sought permission through two separate letters dated May 16 and June 9. A second proposal for hosting a centenary celebration at the station on July 28 — including a heritage gallery and a photo exhibition — was also examined and allowed in principle. INTACH Nagpur chapter's proposal to document three heritage sites — Munshi Mandir, Sonegaon Lake, and Kashibai Temple Complex — was forwarded to the civic chief, as the committee said it fell outside its purview. INTACH sought Rs1.5 lakh funding and offered to begin work upon receiving 50% of the amount. In another major case, the committee reviewed NMC's request to carry out structural work on the newly built Town Hall at Raj Rajeshwar Bhosale Mahal, a heritage structure. The panel asked for detailed architectural and material-use plans before clearing the work. Similarly, proposals for building a new structure within the govt Institute of Forensic Science premises and for putting up information boards at Zero Mile monument were also reviewed. In the case of Zero Mile, the panel approved the concept but sought updates on its current development status. A structural audit inspection was also allowed at the Accountant General's Office, with a panel expert to visit the site. The meeting underscored the need to protect heritage values while accommodating public utility and cultural activities.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Neglected Legacy: Bakht Buland Shah's Forgotten Memorial Set for Revival
1 2 Nagpur: Tucked away in the densely populated Sakkardara locality, the resting place of Gond King Bakht Buland Shah — the founder of Nagpur — lies in quiet decay. Over 300 years after the legendary ruler laid the city's foundation, his grave and those of 27 royal family members are finally poised for long-overdue care and attention. On Wednesday, the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) floated a tender for a Rs6.70 crore development and beautification project for the site, which is a Grade-I heritage structure. The royal family graveyard, spread over half an acre in Azam Shah Layout, has suffered years of neglect, with tombs crumbling, thick vegetation overgrowth taking hold, and rampant encroachments on all sides. Once a proud symbol of Nagpur's roots, the site now silently crumbles under time and urban pressure. As part of its plan, NIT aims to restore the tombs, construct a compound wall and gate, and make provisions for visitors who continue to trickle in on special occasions, despite the dilapidated state. "The memorial receives footfall every year during special occasions, especially from community members and a few locals aware of its historical significance. But there's no structure or facility for them," said a source associated with the project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo However, the revival may not be as straightforward. The proposal was reviewed on Wednesday in a meeting of the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC), chaired by Anoop Kumar. Sources from the meeting said that a comprehensive discussion happened on NIT's proposal and HCC has suggested some changes in the former's plan. "HCC and Kumar were of the opinion that Bakht Buland Shah's memorial should be preserved properly, so some changes have been proposed and it would be discussed in the next meeting," said sources, adding that NIT proposed to build a hut over the grave of Shah, which was objected to by HCC members. Historical records place the original construction of the mausoleums in the early 17th century. Despite its rich legacy, the site has rarely seen conservation efforts. Encroachments, untrimmed vegetation, and structural damages have worsened over the years, making restoration an urgent necessity.
