162-Foot Hanuman Idol and 7 Crore Light Show to Transform Koradi into Tourism Hub Nagpur: The much-anticipated 162-foot-tall Hanuman idol, standing atop a 40-foot foundation constructed in an artificial lake at the revered Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Temple in Koradi, has been completed, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious redevelopment of one of Vidarbha’s key pilgrimage sites. The colossal statue, which reaches a total height of 202 feet, is expected to be inaugurated in October, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah set to preside over the event, according to sources. The idol, constructed at a cost of approximately 11.50 crore, is a central component of the 214.94 crore redevelopment project of the historic Koradi temple complex, which is currently in its third and fourth phases. The redevelopment initiative, spearheaded by the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) under commissioner Sanjay Meena, aims to transform the temple precinct into a world-class religious and tourism destination. Phases I and II of the project were completed earlier, and the ongoing work includes finishing touches such as staircases, tiling, landscaping, and other beautification efforts. The artificial lake and foundation for the monument were developed by Mahagenco, while the idol itself was constructed under the supervision of a Delhi-based firm specializing in large-scale statues and monumental sculptures. The contract for the idol was awarded in July 2023. The original plan for the idol envisioned a height of 151 feet, but the design was revised to increase its stature to 162 feet, making it one of the tallest Hanuman idols in the country. This adjustment has positioned the structure as a prominent landmark in the city’s skyline.#mahagenco #nitin_raut #nagpur_metropolitan_region_development_authority #hanuman_idol #shri_mahalaxmi_jagdamba_temple
Dr Ambedkar Convention Centre in Nagpur Mostly Operational, Statue 75% Complete The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Convention Centre in Nagpur, constructed at a cost of Rs140 crore, has been declared largely operational by the state government. During a legislative assembly meeting, officials stated that all major facilities, including the auditorium, banquet hall, conference and training halls, dormitory, guest rooms, mini conference hall, and reading room, are fully functional. Social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat confirmed that the centre is being utilized effectively and that there has been no public complaint regarding its operations. A 40-foot statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, a central feature of the complex, is reported to be 75% complete and is expected to be finished within two months. The statue’s progress has been highlighted as a significant milestone in the project. Shirsat emphasized that the centre’s infrastructure is now operational, with revenue from hall rentals and allocated government funds covering its maintenance costs. Electricity and upkeep expenses are managed through this combined financial mechanism. Despite the centre’s readiness, Nagpur North MLA Nitin Raut raised concerns about non-functional facilities, including a proposed bank branch, canteen, and commercial units. He questioned the delay in completing the statue and whether a dedicated maintenance budget had been allocated. Shirsat responded by stating that 17 banks were invited through public notices and direct communication to establish branches at the centre, but none have responded. The government is now planning to reinitiate the process for allocating the bank space, canteen, and commercial units on a rental basis.#nagpur #nitin_raut #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar_convention_centre #sanjay_shirsat #dr_babasaheb_ambedkar_statue
GMCH’s ageing cobalt unit to be revived soon State medical education minister Hasan Mushrif announced on Monday that Rs1 crore has been approved to procure a new Cobalt-60 source for the struggling radiation therapy unit at Govt Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Nagpur. The funds are expected to be available by April, after which the cobalt machine will operate at full capacity. Mushrif stated that technical and administrative approvals have been secured for the procurement, which is critical for delivering radiation therapy to cancer patients. The Cobalt-60 source, installed nearly a decade ago and last replaced in 2016, has exceeded its effective lifespan of about five years. This has led to slower radiation delivery and fewer daily treatments. Around 80 patients require cobalt therapy at GMCH each day, but many are unable to receive it due to the slowdown. Officials noted that the unit remains functional but is not operating at its full capacity. Procurement challenges have worsened the crisis. The Cobalt-60 source is typically imported from Canada, leading to delays in sourcing a replacement. Attempts to obtain it domestically through the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) have failed due to technical constraints. Delays in securing a new source have compounded the problem, leaving patients without timely access to critical treatment. The issue was raised in the legislative assembly by MLA Nitin Raut, who highlighted the strain on cancer patients relying on radiation therapy. Alongside reviving the cobalt unit, the government is also advancing long-pending infrastructure upgrades. Mushrif emphasized the focus on strengthening cancer treatment facilities in Nagpur, with several improvements planned over the next 5-6 months.#nagpur #govt_medical_college_hospital #hasan_mushrif #board_of_radiation_and_isotope_technology #nitin_raut
