Nagpur: Work on the initial phase of development at Deekshabhoomi is poised to restart after nearly ten months of suspension, following confirmation by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti (DASS) that all underground construction, including a disputed parking facility, has been abandoned.
The resolution follows protests of July 1, 2024, when Ambedkarite groups congregated at the site, opposing the proposed underground works, which they claimed threatened the stupa’s sanctity and the Bodhi Tree.
DASS general secretary Rajendra Gavai said the decision to cancel all underground construction was taken to prevent further unrest. “There shall be no more underground work at Deekshabhoomi,” he told TOI, noting that all remaining elements of the initial phase — barring the underground parking — would proceed as planned. He indicated that DASS and govt are proceeding judiciously before restarting the work to avoid any flare-up.
The July demonstrations, which saw construction materials at the site being set on fire, compelled the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) to abandon the underground parking project. The matter was subsequently raised in the Maharashtra assembly by opposition members, particularly from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, who demanded immediate termination of the project.
Meanwhile, advocate Shailesh Narnaware filed an application in the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Wednesday seeking judicial intervention regarding what he called ‘prolonged governmental inertia’. His petition requests time-bound directives for Deekshabhoomi’s expansion. The application forms part of his ongoing PIL advocating bestowing of prominent pilgrimage status to Deekshabhoomi alongside Shirdi, Shegaon, Pandharpur and Trimbakeshwar.
Narnaware has asked for the transfer of 16.44 acres from the health department and 3.84 acres from the Cotton Research Institute to DASS. He emphasised that despite repeated representations — including a formal request dated Nov 3, 2011 — authorities have given no response till now about the same. The DASS’s latest land requisition was reiterated in a memorandum presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by president Bhadant Nagarjun Shurai Sasai during his visit to Deekshabhoomi on March 30 this year.
The application criticises various departments for maintaining a ‘passive attitude’, with vital development components remaining dormant despite funds being sanctioned. It pleads the court to direct relevant agencies to resume non-disputed works and resolve land allocation through established procedures applied in other state-led religious infrastructure projects.
Narnaware additionally urged implementation of a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR) for site beautification and redevelopment, including facilities such as a boundary wall, toilets, and watch towers. The Noida-based Design Associates Incorporation has been appointed as project architect. Currently, DASS possesses 22.7 acres of land.
Narnaware’s appeal seeks definitive direction to the urban development department principal secretary and other state officials to respond affirmatively and expeditiously to the DASS’s request.
The resolution follows protests of July 1, 2024, when Ambedkarite groups congregated at the site, opposing the proposed underground works, which they claimed threatened the stupa’s sanctity and the Bodhi Tree.
DASS general secretary Rajendra Gavai said the decision to cancel all underground construction was taken to prevent further unrest. “There shall be no more underground work at Deekshabhoomi,” he told TOI, noting that all remaining elements of the initial phase — barring the underground parking — would proceed as planned. He indicated that DASS and govt are proceeding judiciously before restarting the work to avoid any flare-up.
The July demonstrations, which saw construction materials at the site being set on fire, compelled the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) to abandon the underground parking project. The matter was subsequently raised in the Maharashtra assembly by opposition members, particularly from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, who demanded immediate termination of the project.
Meanwhile, advocate Shailesh Narnaware filed an application in the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court on Wednesday seeking judicial intervention regarding what he called ‘prolonged governmental inertia’. His petition requests time-bound directives for Deekshabhoomi’s expansion. The application forms part of his ongoing PIL advocating bestowing of prominent pilgrimage status to Deekshabhoomi alongside Shirdi, Shegaon, Pandharpur and Trimbakeshwar.
Narnaware has asked for the transfer of 16.44 acres from the health department and 3.84 acres from the Cotton Research Institute to DASS. He emphasised that despite repeated representations — including a formal request dated Nov 3, 2011 — authorities have given no response till now about the same. The DASS’s latest land requisition was reiterated in a memorandum presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by president Bhadant Nagarjun Shurai Sasai during his visit to Deekshabhoomi on March 30 this year.
The application criticises various departments for maintaining a ‘passive attitude’, with vital development components remaining dormant despite funds being sanctioned. It pleads the court to direct relevant agencies to resume non-disputed works and resolve land allocation through established procedures applied in other state-led religious infrastructure projects.
Narnaware additionally urged implementation of a fresh Detailed Project Report (DPR) for site beautification and redevelopment, including facilities such as a boundary wall, toilets, and watch towers. The Noida-based Design Associates Incorporation has been appointed as project architect. Currently, DASS possesses 22.7 acres of land.
Narnaware’s appeal seeks definitive direction to the urban development department principal secretary and other state officials to respond affirmatively and expeditiously to the DASS’s request.
