Patna, Jan. 17: Gandhi Maidan — the political hotspot of the state capital — would not host political rallies or commercial event, at least for a year. Patna Municipal Commission (PMC) authorities said political gatherings and other events would be banned to carry out the proposed beautification of the maidan.
The residents of Patna have welcomed the move. But politicians are not very pleased with the ban, as many of them feel there is no alternative to Gandhi Maidan when it comes to rallies and gatherings. Some even feel that there is no need to transform the maidan into a park.
“What is the point of converting the historic ground into a park? This is the only place where we can have rallies. There is no alternative. If the authorities want to beautify the place, they should earmark space in the maidan for political rallies and other events,” said Ram Kripal Yadav, senior RJD leader.
JD (U) national spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari is also of the opinion that political activities should be allowed at the grounds after the beautification is complete.
“It is understandable that events would not be allowed during the renovation. But once it is over, the activities should not be banned,” said Tiwari.
The authorities have, however, clearly stated their intentions.
“The project is all set to begin by late February and it will take around a year to complete it. No events would be allowed on the ground till the project is complete,” PMC commissioner Manish Kumar told The Telegraph today.
The Rs 9 crore-project would beautify the 62 acres of green that Patna dwellers consider the lungs of the city. For the past few years, the district administration has been leasing it out to private parties for fairs, television shows and other activities. During idle hours, vagrants and local gangs take over and litter the place.
“The maidan is the only green stretch in the city. It should be properly maintained. It will be a good thing if the authorities reserve it for the people and ban rallies and other events,” said Purva Roy, resident of Sultanganj.
Roy, a regular jogger at the maidan, added: “After rallies and fairs, Gandhi Maidan is in shambles. It is littered and green patches are not restored.”
All these would now stop, said a source in the PMC.
“Gandhi Maidan is a historic landmark. The protest against the Champaran incident began here. Important national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Rajendra Prasad have addressed meetings at the green zone. Our aim is to restore the past glory,” said Kumar.
There are detailed plans for constructing a pathway outside the maidan. A space would be earmarked exclusively for the senior citizens on the ground. Children will also have their share.
Rabinesh Kumar Sinha, executive engineer, Patna building division, said: “A proposal has been sent to the state government for approval. There would be no construction on the ground. The pathway and the external boundary will undergo beautification.”
Giving details of the expenses, Sinha said: “Rs 4.81 crore will be spent on the construction of the pathway, Rs 1.34 crore on flower pots, Rs 81 lakh on light arrangements and Rs 52 lakh on a kids’ play zone. The rest would be miscellaneous expenditure.”
“Fresh carpeting of grass has also been proposed for the long-neglected ground. There will be a raised platform with sitting planks for the people in the middle of the ground. Black and white sandstone planters will adorn the four corners of this platform. Automatic sprinklers will be provided to water the grass patches at regular intervals,” Kumar said.
