Know About Ambazari Garden’s Rs. 22 cr Laser Show Project

The Ambazari Garden in Nagpur was once a public space cherished by one and all. But now, the garden is mired in controversy following the inauguration of a ₹22 crore multimedia and laser show project. This investment notwithstanding, the garden has been closed to the public for more than five years, which has frustrated and confused citizens in general.

The management of Ambazari Garden was transferred from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in 2017. Later, in November 2019, MTDC leased it to a private company, Garuda Amusement Park (Nagpur) Pvt. Ltd. Instead of reviving the garden, the new management closed it down and stopped access by the public.

Not only that, but within the compound of the garden, a memorial- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Cultural Centre- was demolished by the group Garuda Amusement, and the people erupted in anger. When the government later sanctioned ₹10 crores for reconstruction, much of the resentment had already been sown.

Even though the garden has been closed, the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has undertaken the ₹22 crore laser show and multimedia project on a 2.25-acre plot next to Ambazari Lake. The citizens are perplexed at this development since the main garden area is inaccessible.

The lack of transparency and delays in reopening the garden have further fueled public dissatisfaction. Reports from August 2021 indicated that the reopening might be delayed by over two years due to administrative decisions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

As of October 2024, the garden remains closed, with citizens expressing concerns over the misuse of public funds and the prolonged deprivation of a vital recreational space.

The movement has given rise to protests and a demand for accountability. The followers of Dr. Ambedkar have been protesting in front of the garden, demanding that the garden be developed as an Ambedkar Bhavan; the agitation has crossed over 153 days as of June 2023.

The local leaders and citizenry are calling for an abrogation of the contract with the private operator and the restoration of the garden for public use.

Over and above these facts, it is worth noting that a lot of investment has been put into the multimedia and laser show project at Ambazari Garden. The prolonged closure of the garden, destruction of cultural landmarks, and lack of public access overshadow this fact. Citizens in Nagpur have yet to see this garden open up for recreational activities, which should find their sanctuary here.