Nagpur: The Rs. 22 crore multimedia and laser show project, inaugurated at Nagpur’s Ambazari Garden, has ignited a wave of controversy as the garden has remained closed to the public for over five years. Despite promises of transforming the space into a hub of entertainment and leisure, citizens are left questioning the purpose behind the project while their access to the garden is still restricted.
In an exclusive interview, Nagpur Today journalist Avani Arya spoke to senior scribe Anjaya Anparthi, who shed light on the issue. In 2017, the State Government shifted the management of Ambazari Garden from the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Shortly thereafter, in November 2019, MTDC handed control of the garden to a private entity, Garuda Amusement Nagpur Pvt. Ltd.
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However, instead of rejuvenating the space, Garuda Amusement took the unexpected step of closing the garden entirely, cutting off public access. Despite this, the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) embarked on a Rs. 22 crore laser show and multimedia project on a 2.25-acre plot adjacent to Ambazari Lake, further confusing the public as the main garden remained inaccessible.
Tensions flared when Garuda Amusement demolished the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Cultural Centre, sparking outrage among devotees. Although the government later sanctioned Rs. 10 crore for the reconstruction of the memorial, the damage had already stirred deep discontent within the community.
The controversy surrounding the management of Ambazari Garden has only deepened, as questions mount regarding the continued involvement of Garuda Amusement. Citizens are demanding answers: Why is the private operator still in charge? When will the iconic garden reopen for the public? Senior citizens, children, and the broader community are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and transparency.
As the Rs. 22 crore laser show project proceeds, concerns grow that it may be rendered futile if public access to Ambazari Garden is not restored. For now, the people of Nagpur wait for justice, hoping that the space will soon be returned to its rightful purpose as a sanctuary of recreation and culture.
