NMC proposes closing 80-metre road near Vidhan Bhavan for expansion; Samvidhan Chowk protesters worried

A fresh controversy is likely over Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur, a long-standing site of protests, with questions now being raised about the public space around it. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation's estate department has issued a public notice under Section 203 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949.

The notice proposes closing an existing public road to expand the legislature complex. Since it came to light, concern has grown among agitators and protesters, and among people who use Samvidhan Chowk and the area around it.

The corporation recently published an advertisement saying there is a road between the triangular piece of land adjacent to the legislature and the existing legislature premises. The road is about 18 metres wide and roughly 80 metres long. According to the advertisement, the road is needed for the expansion of the legislature building, which is why its closure has been proposed.

As for the location, the corporation's notice says the proposed road falls under Mouza Sitabuldi, Khasra No. 283, City Survey No. 1855/1 and Reservation No. W-55 (parking). It says the stretch that is now in public use is proposed to be closed.

The plan is to make the land of this road available for the expansion of the Vidhan Bhavan. This means the character of the existing public thoroughfare could change, and the land in the area could be used to expand the legislature complex.

The corporation has given citizens and other interested parties a chance to file written objections to the proposal. According to the notice, objections can be submitted in writing at the municipal corporation headquarters within the stipulated period.

The notice specifically says objections must be submitted within 30 days, and those received after the deadline will not be considered. The period is therefore being seen as an important opportunity for citizens of Samvidhan Chowk, Sitabuldi and nearby areas, as well as social organisations, traders' bodies and groups demanding the protection of public spaces.