Bhandara Nagar Parishad developing 9 more parks

Nagpur: Bhandara Nagar Parishad is developing nine parks in addition to the existing three, according to information provided by the state govt to the Legislative Council on Monday.MLC Dr Parinay Fuke asked about the condition of parks in Bhandara city and the maintenance of the Ravvanwadi lake area. Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said nine additional open plots are being developed with benches, children's equipment, walking tracks, drinking water facilities and seating for senior citizens, and Rs 1 crore was approved for park development under a special scheme.The three existing parks are maintained through Nagar Parishad funds. Three security guards have been deployed for cleanliness and crowd management. The parks department has one garden supervisor and two gardeners on permanent service, supported by seven contractual workers for maintenance.On the Ravvanwadi lake area frequently cited in connection with Bhandara's parks, Shinde clarified that it falls outside Bhandara Nagar Parishad limits and lies within Ravvanwadi Gram Panchayat's jurisdiction under the Forest Department. A Rs 19.60 crore tourism development project for the area was approved at the Maharashtra Nature Tourism Development Corporation's 22nd executive committee meeting on Feb 6, 2024, and the proposal was submitted to the Forest Department for administrative approval on Sept 22, 2025.No timeline was provided for the Forest Department's clearance, for completion of the nine open plots, or for deployment of the full Rs 1 crore sanctioned amount.