The Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) has raised concerns about Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) allegedly encroaching on NIT's land at the Gokulpeth Market under the pretext of constructing a multi-level parking facility. This dispute highlights potential issues of consent, coordination, and oversight between these two city development organizations.
Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi, Chairman of NIT, expressed during a media interaction that NIT will soon issue a notice to NSSCDCL, instructing them to cease construction at the Gokulpeth site. According to Suryawanshi, NSSCDCL did not seek NIT's consent for constructing the multi-level parking facility in Gokulpeth.
Chairman Suryawanshi's assertion that NIT was unaware of the ongoing multi-level parking construction contradicts some facts. Notably, the Zonal Office of the Executive Engineer, West Region, of NIT is situated within the Gokulpeth building. The multi-level parking site is positioned behind NIT's office, suggesting a lack of awareness or potential oversight on the part of NIT officials regarding the NSSCDCL project.
Chairman Suryawanshi stated that he has signed the notice to be served to NSSCDCL, demanding the immediate cessation of ongoing construction and vacation of the site. However, no timeline has been provided for the removal of the iron pillars already erected at the location.
An interesting aspect of this dispute is that NIT is one of the stakeholders in NSSCDCL. Therefore, Chairman Suryawanshi's assertion of ignorance regarding the multi-level parking plan appears puzzling. Parking plans for the Gokulpeth market have been public knowledge for some time, adding to the complexity of the situation.
A site visit revealed that substantial funds have already been invested in constructing the basic structure at the multi-level parking site by the NSSCDCL-contracted builder. This raises questions about accountability for the potential wastage of public money, as NSSCDCL may need to dismantle the iron structure.
Shopkeepers at Gokulpeth market expressed their concerns over the multi-level parking construction, highlighting issues such as excavated earth being dumped at the vegetable market, causing inconvenience. Additionally, NIT served eviction notices to over 70 shopkeepers with valid lease deeds, citing the dilapidated state of the building on West High Court Road. This move has sparked sharp reactions from the affected traders.
The dispute between NIT and NSSCDCL regarding the Gokulpeth multi-level parking construction reflects broader concerns about coordination and oversight in urban development projects. The competing claims and the potential implications for public funds and traders make this a significant issue that requires resolution.