Nagpur civic body readies Deekshabhoomi with 24-hour CCTV for 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din
Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar reviewed arrangements for lakhs of followers, with a control room, domes, health centres and boats at Ambazari lake.
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Dhammachakra Pravartan Din is a very important day for the Buddhist community. On October 14, 1956, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar embraced Buddhism at Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur along with lakhs of followers. In memory of that historic event, the day is observed on a large scale in Nagpur every year on Vijayadashami.
Lakhs of Buddhist followers from across the country reach Deekshabhoomi on the occasion. The administration therefore faces major challenges in these days, including security, crowd control, water, cleanliness, health, accommodation and traffic.
This year marks the 70th Dhammachakra Pravartan Din, and lakhs of followers are expected at Deekshabhoomi from across the country. In view of this, the municipal corporation, the district administration and the Social Welfare Department have stepped up preparations. Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar held a review meeting on Tuesday and directed the various departments to work in coordination. The plan is to ensure that followers get the necessary basic facilities between October 18 and 22.
The area around Deekshabhoomi will be monitored through CCTV round the clock. The municipal corporation will also set up a control room to manage the crowd, security and any emergency. Dedicated staff will be deployed to keep the premises clean. Plans have also been made to keep electricity, drinking water, toilets and traffic arrangements running smoothly.
Large domes will be erected to accommodate followers at Deekshabhoomi, the Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth campus, Mata Kacheri and the Kurvey school campus. Accommodation and toilets will be arranged at Bezonbagh and Untkhana ground. Temporary health centres will also be set up at various locations so that followers can get medical treatment.
To maintain safety while followers bathe in Ambazari lake, fire brigade teams and boats will be deployed. To stop people from going into the lake water, and for their convenience, temporary toilets with changing areas will be built near the lake.
