Bhandara Nagar Parishad Expands Green Spaces with Nine New Parks
The Bhandara Nagar Parishad is set to significantly enhance its public green infrastructure with the development of nine new parks, as confirmed by the Maharashtra state government in a recent Legislative Council session. This expansion will complement the three existing parks already maintained by the Parishad.
Government Announcement and Development Details
During the Council proceedings on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde provided detailed information in response to a query from MLC Dr. Parinay Fuke regarding the condition of parks in Bhandara city and the maintenance of the Ravvanwadi lake area. Shinde announced that nine additional open plots are being developed into fully functional parks.
The new parks will feature a comprehensive range of amenities designed to serve all age groups:
- Benches and dedicated seating areas for senior citizens
- Specialized children's play equipment
- Walking tracks for fitness enthusiasts
- Drinking water facilities for visitor convenience
The state government has approved Rs 1 crore specifically for this park development initiative under a special scheme, demonstrating significant financial commitment to improving urban green spaces in Bhandara.
Existing Park Infrastructure and Maintenance
The three parks currently operational in Bhandara city continue to be maintained through Nagar Parishad funds. To ensure proper upkeep and visitor management, the Parishad has implemented a structured maintenance system:
- Three security guards have been deployed specifically for cleanliness and crowd management duties
- The parks department operates with one garden supervisor and two gardeners on permanent service
- Seven contractual workers provide additional support for ongoing maintenance activities
This multi-tiered approach to park maintenance ensures that existing green spaces remain clean, safe, and well-maintained for public enjoyment.
Clarification on Ravvanwadi Lake Area
In his response, Deputy CM Shinde provided important clarification regarding the frequently mentioned Ravvanwadi lake area. Contrary to some assumptions, this area does not fall within the jurisdiction of Bhandara Nagar Parishad.
The Ravvanwadi lake area actually lies within the administrative boundaries of Ravvanwadi Gram Panchayat and comes under the authority of the Forest Department.
Despite being outside Parishad limits, significant development plans are underway for this area. A substantial tourism development project worth Rs 19.60 crore was approved during the 22nd executive committee meeting of the Maharashtra Nature Tourism Development Corporation on February 6, 2024.
The formal proposal for this project was subsequently submitted to the Forest Department for administrative approval on September 22, 2025, marking an important step toward transforming the area into a tourism destination while preserving its natural character.
Timeline and Implementation Considerations
While the announcements represent significant progress for Bhandara's public spaces, several implementation timelines remain unspecified. The state government did not provide:
- A completion date for the development of the nine new open plots into functional parks
- A specific timeline for the Forest Department's clearance of the Ravvanwadi lake tourism project
- Details about the deployment schedule for the full Rs 1 crore sanctioned for park development
These developments represent a coordinated effort between local governance bodies and state authorities to enhance quality of life through improved public recreational spaces, with the potential to significantly transform Bhandara's urban landscape once fully implemented.
