Corporators attack Mundhe over Ambedkar memorial dome PROJECT MISSED DEADLINE

The decision by municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe to cancel the marble cladding work on the dome of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial at Airoli came in for heavy criticism in the general body meeting of the NMMC on Tuesday.

While Munde had cancelled the plan stating that there was an adverse IIT report on it, the NMMC had said the cancellation will save it Rs20 crore. The corporators cutting across party lines stated that people will take to the streets and launch an agitation against it. They demanded that the marble cladding be undertaken whatever the cost.

The issue was raised through a calling attention motion by Congress corporator Hemangi Sonawane. She said, “If there is an attempt to play with the sentiments of the Ambedkari people and any compromise with the project, there will be a strong reaction by the people who will take to the streets.”

Corporator Sanju Wade said, “The IIT report is not binding. If it is not withdrawn, the people will agitate.”

NCP corporator Suraj Patil asked how could the commissioner change a decision that has been taken by the general body.

While sentiments are strong on the issue of the memorial’s marble cladding, political observers said that there seems to be more than just emotions that led to the uproar in the general body.