HC seeks details of restoration plan for Kasturchand Park

Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay high court has set a deadline of November 13 for authorities including the collector, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), the PWD chief engineer and Heritage Conservation Committee to submit detailed affidavits regarding the current status and restoration plan of Kasturchand Park and the Grade-1 monument on site.

The order came on issues raised by amicus curiae SP Bhandarkar, noting overgrown vegetation and crumbling structures at the ground.

The bench, comprising Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Vrushali Joshi, pointed out an order from October 2021 which mentioned the use of the historic site for commercial use at a minimal rent, resulting in substantial profits for event organisers. The court had then directed the collector to submit a detailed response regarding the lease violations, if any, and actions taken against these entities, along with suggestions on income-sharing by these organisers with the govt.

The other order from September 2020 stated the vast difference in affidavits submitted to the court regarding the condition of the park and its actual state which was littered with filth, uneven surface, and the heritage structure itself being in a severely deteriorated condition. The court had again directed the collector and Nagpur Municipal Corporation to undertake an audit and submit an action plan for the park's restoration.