Gandhi Maidan undergoing renovation work

PATNA: The beautification and renovation work of the historic Gandhi Maidan is being done on war footing and the maidan will not be allowed to be
used for holding any political or social function till the work is completed.

Patna DM Jitendra Kumar Sinha said that at the maidan, spread over 62 acres of land, no work has been done for a long time and as a result it is now full of potholes while waterlogging is another big problem due to choking of its drainage system. The work has now been started at a cost of Rs 1 crore.

With regard to the allegation by certain political quarters that they were being denied permission to hold party functions, the DM said over a dozen government and private agencies have applied for the allotment of the maidan, but no application has been approved.

Sinha said that the executive engineer of building division has started survey of the maidan and for the discharge of the water, pipes will be laid all over for a perfect drainage system. A chamber will be constructed in the middle of the maidan so that water is not accumulated anywhere.

Similarly, the earth work has been initiated for the levelling of the maidan and all the four entry gates are being given a beautiful look. Flower beds will also be laid all over and the 6,222 feet long boundary wall will also be beautified. The concrete and plastic trash bins will be installed at various points in the maidan.

The DM said that the work will be completed by July 15 and only after that the maidan will be allocated to the parties. He said the renovation work could not be started earlier due to Durga Puja, Eid festivals and book fairs. The DM has asked the parties requesting for allocation of the maidan to look for substitutes.