Swami Vivekananda statue in a "no development zone" at Ambazari Dam

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court expressed strong discontent on Friday over the construction of a Swami Vivekananda statue in a "no development zone" at Ambazari Dam. The court directed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) commissioner to provide the names of officials responsible for granting permission for the construction by the next hearing on May 8.While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), a division bench consisting of Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Abhay Mantri questioned the NMC's senior counsel, S.K. Mishra, about the boundaries of the no development zone at Ambazari Dam. The absence of senior NMC officials during the court proceedings drew sharp criticism, with the court remarking on the "reckless approach" of the NMC and expressing dismay at the civic body's inaction.

In response to the court's dissatisfaction, the deputy director of the town planning department and the assistant commissioner were summoned to the court at 4 pm with the required information. During the resumed proceedings, the court was informed that the Swami Vivekananda statue had indeed been built in the no development zone, as evidenced by a map produced by the NMC.

Given the evidence presented, the High Court directed the NMC commissioner to file an affidavit naming the officials who approved the construction of the statue in the no development zone. The court granted the NMC until May 8 to disclose these names and demanded an explanation for the violation of development control rules.

The High Court also instructed the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to submit remedial plans for shifting the statue and to provide a timeline for implementing the plan. The court's firm stance underscores its intent to hold the NMC accountable for disregarding development control rules and to ensure corrective measures are taken.