Maharashtra govt postpones underground parking construction at Deeksha Bhoomi following public protests
Jul 01, 2024
Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], July 1 : Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday that the state government has decided to postpone the construction of an underground parking facility at Deeksha Bhoomi, a significant site in Nagpur.
The decision follows widespread public protests against the project.
"Rs 200 crores were sanctioned by the state government for the construction of the underground parking as per the plan created by the Memorial Committee. However, considering the public sentiment, the state government has decided to postpone it," said the Deputy Chief Minister.
He also said that a meeting will be convened soon to discuss the issue further, and a final decision will be made after considering all opinions.
Earlier in the day, several people staged a protest at Deeksha Bhoomi, opposing the construction.
Commissioner of Nagpur Police Ravinder Singal said that the situation is now under control.
"... We urged the people to stop the agitation and the committee members gave it in writing that the protest can be stopped as the construction of the underground parking is being put to a halt with immediate effect... We stopped the people only when we saw them taking the law into their hands..." Singal said.
Singal appealed to the public to maintain peace, noting that the decision to halt construction has already been announced.
"I appeal to everyone to maintain peace as this decision to stop the construction has been announced by the state government... There has been no lathi charge... The situation is under control...," Singal added.
Deeksha Bhoomi, a notable landmark in Nagpur, is where the architect of the Indian Constitution embraced Buddhism. It serves as a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists in India.
Meanwhile, the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly began on Thursday (June 28) and will go on till July 12. This is the last legislative session before the state assembly polls, which will be in the next four months.
