States » WestPosted at: Sep 21 2026 10:04PM


Deekshabhoomi development must preserve original Stupa, follow UNESCO standards: Dr Nitin Raut

Nagpur, Sep 21 (UNI) Former Maharashtra Minister and Congress MLA Dr Nitin Raut on Monday said the proposed development of Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur should be carried out in accordance with UNESCO World Heritage standards without altering the original historic architecture and design of the iconic Dhamma Chakra Stupa.
The remarks came after project architect Sandeep Kamble presented the proposed development plan to Dr Raut at his office following a review meeting under Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Raut said Deekshabhoomi was not merely a monument but a centre of intellectual and spiritual inspiration for millions of followers across the world.
While welcoming the government's initiative to modernise and beautify the premises, he stressed that preserving the historical sanctity and identity of the original Stupa must remain the top priority.
“I have been associated with Deekshabhoomi for 45 years and have had the opportunity to serve here through the Sankalp organisation for nearly four decades. The original Dhamma Chakra Stupa, designed by noted architect late Shivdan Mal and regarded as Asia’s only hollow stupa of its kind, must be preserved in its original form,” he said.
During the presentation, Raut discussed the project with experts and representatives from various fields and suggested several measures for the development of the site.
Removal of visually distracting elements within the Stupa complex and the creation of a world-class meditation centre were among his key proposals.
He also suggested installation of a single grand standing statue of Gautam Buddha inside the Stupa and declaration of the area around its base as a strict zero-excavation zone. Raut also proposed development of a Buddhist Peace Park around the monument and creation of a 360-degree panoramic visual corridor to ensure an unobstructed view of the Stupa from major approach roads.
To improve the experience of devotees undertaking parikrama, he recommended relocation of smaller statues along the circumambulatory path, installation of heat-resistant tiles and creation of a dedicated “Sacred Soil Touch Corner”.
He further suggested establishment of international-standard facilities such as a Dhamma Interpretation Centre, a technology-driven Digital Imprint Museum and a Tathagata Teachings Centre to promote Buddhist heritage and scholarship.
Raut also urged the State Government to pursue transfer of adjoining land belonging to the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) from the union Government, stating that the northern entrance of the Stupa remains inaccessible because of the institute’s premises.
Opening the northern side, he said, would enable devotees to complete the full circumambulation of the monument.
The MLA also sought creation of a dedicated financial corpus to ensure long-term maintenance, cleanliness and preservation of the heritage complex.
Engineers Kuldeep Ramteke and Pradeep Nagarare, advocate Shailesh Narnaware, World Bank Buddhist Circuit consultant Ravi Bankar, Dr Prashant Patil, Bandopant Tembhurne, Anil Nagarare and other representatives participated in the discussions.
UNI PK MCR
Tags: #Deekshabhoomi development must preserve original Stupa# follow UNESCO standards: Dr Nitin Raut
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