September 11, 2025: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has invited tenders for a series of civic and cultural development projects under the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Social Development Scheme in Belapur division. The works, with an estimated outlay of over Rs 2 crore, aim to enhance community infrastructure and promote social inclusiveness.
According to civic officials, several projects have been planned at the Ashtavinayak Society Garden in Sector-B, CBD Belapur. These include the installation of FRP structures and public facilities at a cost of Rs 44.91 lakh. An additional Rs 72.03 lakh has been allocated for the creation of a ‘Selfie Point’ along with information, entertainment, and educational amenities. Further, a theme park with cultural and recreational features is set to be developed at the same site for Ra 63.55 lakh.
In addition to the garden upgrades, the corporation has sanctioned Rs 25.91 lakh for the replacement of ageing lifts at Belapur Bhavan. The lift installation project is expected to be completed within three months of commencement.
Officials noted that all works form part of the Ambedkar Social Development Scheme, which prioritises the improvement of infrastructure in Dalit settlements, preservation of cultural and historical spaces, and promotion of equality. The initiative is specifically designed to support the socio-economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Neo-Buddhist communities.
The civic body has urged eligible contractors to submit their bids online via the state’s official procurement portal, mahatenders.gov.in. It further emphasised that any misuse or diversion of funds allocated under the Dalit Vasti Vikas Nidhi (Dalit Settlement Development Fund) would be treated as a serious violation of constitutional principles of equity and inclusivity.
Source: The Free Press Journal
