Nagpur’s Seminary Hills, a reserve forest known as the city’s green lung, has become the subject of a heated debate between environmentalists and the forest department over its ongoing redevelopment. The primary contention lies in the use of fly ash and murrum to reinforce the 6-km-long walking track, which has raised concerns among conservationists about the potential impact on the forest ecosystem and human health. Member of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), Poonam Dhanwatey, expressed alarm over the use of fly ash, citing its carcinogenic properties and the potential threat it poses to the forest environment. Green crusader Yogita Khan from Seminary Hills echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly development practices and highlighting the absence of bamboo, a traditionally used material, in the redevelopment process. She also stressed the need to preserve the Grade-I heritage status of Seminary Hills and avoid treating the works like routine road development projects. In response to these concerns, Nagpur deputy conservator of forest (DyCF) Bharat Singh Hada acknowledged receiving a complaint about fly ash usage and expressed willingness to explore alternative solutions. He clarified that the track renovation was prompted by frequent complaints from morning walkers experiencing slips and falls on the earthen trail. The department maintains that the material used consists primarily of murrum (97%) with a small addition of fly ash (3%) and lime. The redevelopment project also encompasses the revamp of the toy train, complete with a new electric engine and vibrant designs on the station, as well as the enhancement of the track with sound and lighting effects. The forest department’s intention is to enhance the recreational experience for visitors while addressing safety concerns.
Nagpur: Seminary Hills Redevelopment Sparks Environmental Debate
