Deekshabhoomi stupa strengthening work begins

Nagpur: Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) has started repairing and strengthening works on Deekshabhoomi stupa. It will be followed by other works approved under redevelopment project worth Rs288.35 crore.
NMRDA is repairing and strengthening the stupa without stopping public entry into the iconic structure. The marble structure is covered with glass from above in which asthi kalash of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is kept along with statue of Lord Buddha. Thane-based Structural Specialities and Projects Pvt Ltd has been awarded the work with Noida-based Design Associates Inc providing architectural supervision.

Deekshabhoomi’s stupa, supposed to be Asia’s biggest, is around 36 metres in diameter and 36 metres high. It construction was completed in 2001. An NMRDA official told TOI it required at least 5-6 months for making scaffolding for executing works from inner as well as outer sides. “A giant steel structure has been erected to bear the load of structure for executing work from inner side,” he said.

The official said stupa would not need any repairs for next 30 years at least once this project is completed. “There were issues like cracks, water leakage and imbalance in structure. Stupa has been divided into eight segments for executing the works. We are removing plaster from inner side as it has deteriorated. Epoxy grouting is being done there to be followed by 20mm polymer plaster from inner side. On the outer side, micro fine grouting is being done followed by epoxy grouting, erection of stainless steel jali (net), high strength mortar plaster and glass mosaic tiles,” he said.

NMRDA claimed stupa will be become strong, water proof, safe and beautiful after the works are done. Central government had sanctioned Rs 9.41 crore for stupa works in January 2016. It took a long time for beginning the works as it required a lot of technical expertize as stupa is giant in size and hollow from inside.

The remaining works of more Rs 281 crore will be executed in two phases. State government had approved detailed project report of Rs 100 crore last year. Rs 40 crore were released to NMRDA last year. The tendering process for beginning the works is pending for want of administrative approval from government.

The government had given an in-principle approval for remaining works of Rs 181 crore last year. Approval to detailed project report is pending with the government.