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By:

Rajendra Joshi

3 December 2024 at 3:50:26 am

Controversy over shifting plot

Questions over corporation’s plan to abandon self-owned piece of land    Ruparani Nikam Kolhapur: A fresh controversy has surfaced over the proposed construction of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) new administrative building, with questions being raised over the apparent shift from a prime, self-owned plot at Nirmal Chowk to an alternative site at Shendapark.   The civic body, which has been functioning out of the historic Gandhi Market building since its days as a nagarpalika...

Controversy over shifting plot

Questions over corporation’s plan to abandon self-owned piece of land    Ruparani Nikam Kolhapur: A fresh controversy has surfaced over the proposed construction of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) new administrative building, with questions being raised over the apparent shift from a prime, self-owned plot at Nirmal Chowk to an alternative site at Shendapark.   The civic body, which has been functioning out of the historic Gandhi Market building since its days as a nagarpalika during the princely era, was upgraded to a municipal corporation in 1972. However, despite a significant expansion in its administrative scope over the decades, the KMC has yet to acquire a modern, purpose-built headquarters. At the centre of the present debate is a 9-acre-36-guntha plot at Nirmal Chowk considerably larger than the five-acre Shendapark site now being proposed.   The Nirmal Chowk land has long been in the corporation’s possession, and even a property card had been issued following the resolution of disputes by the district administration. Despite this, the civic body has now indicated that the new headquarters will be constructed at Shendapark, prompting questions over the rationale behind abandoning a larger, strategically located plot.   Complicating matters further is a prolonged legal dispute over the Nirmal Chowk land. While the preparation of a property card typically nullifies the relevance of the 7/12 extract under Maharashtra land records, claims based on the latter continued to surface, with some parties asserting ownership and keeping the dispute alive.   Critics allege that the civic administration failed to pursue the case with due diligence, at times remaining absent during key hearings. It was only after an intervention through a separate petition filed by Dilip Desai of a local civic group that the matter regained traction. The case is now slated for hearing before the Kolhapur circuit bench of the Bombay High Court in June.   Observers argue that instead of strengthening its legal position and securing the valuable land estimated to be worth around Rs 40 crore the KMC appears to have shifted focus to the Shendapark site. This, they say, raises concerns about the intent behind the change in location.   Notably, as far back as December 2003, the corporation had organised an architectural design competition for constructing a modern headquarters at Nirmal Chowk. A contemporary design was finalised, but the project has seen little progress in over two decades.   In contrast, several municipal corporations across Maharashtra have since developed modern administrative complexes, while Kolhapur continues to operate out of cramped premises in Gandhi Market, with even council proceedings often conducted under space constraints. Civic activists contend that had the KMC pursued the Nirmal Chowk project with consistency and resolved legal hurdles in time, the city would not have risked losing control over a high-value public asset.   With the shift to Shendapark now underway, concerns are also being voiced about the future of other public spaces in the city. Activists warn that if such decisions go unchallenged, it could set a precedent affecting open spaces in urban layouts.   The controversy has triggered demands for greater transparency and accountability in the civic body’s land-use decisions, with residents seeking clear answers on why the original site was sidelined and who stands to benefit from the change.

Maldives – Where the Ocean Teaches the Heart to Breathe

The ocean gives peace… if the heart is calm.

There are places we visit for sightseeing, and then there are places that quietly transform us from within. The Maldives is one such destination—a paradise where turquoise waters meet endless skies, where the rhythm of waves replaces the noise of busy life, and where every sunset reminds us to slow down and simply live. From the moment you arrive, the air feels lighter, the ocean calmer, and the heart begins to breathe in a rhythm it had long forgotten.


Located in the vast Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands spread across 26 natural atolls. From above, these islands look like scattered pearls on a blue canvas, surrounded by lagoons shimmering in the sunlight. One of the world’s lowest-lying countries, built almost entirely on coral reefs and sandbanks, the Maldives holds global significance in conversations on climate change and rising sea levels.


Historically, the Maldives has long been connected to the world through trade and culture. Ancient traders from Arabia, South Asia, and Africa passed through these islands, bringing traditions, languages, and beliefs that gradually blended into Maldivian life. Islam became the official religion in the 12th century and continues to shape the lifestyle, architecture, festivals, and daily practices of the people. Today, the Maldives is a peaceful, tourism-driven nation that balances tradition with modern hospitality.


Nature is the true soul of the Maldives. Clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life form the backbone of its natural wealth and economy. Fishing and tourism remain the nation’s two main pillars, while protected marine ecosystems add to its beauty and sustainability. Beneath the ocean lies a magical world of manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, colourful corals, and playful dolphins. Snorkelling or diving here feels like entering another universe, where nature becomes the greatest artist.


Travelling to the Maldives is convenient, with many international airlines offering direct connections to Velana International Airport in Malé. The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is sunny, dry, and ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and beach relaxation. Even during the monsoon season from May to October, the Maldives remains beautiful, offering fewer crowds and attractive travel deals.


The Maldives offers a perfect blend of cultural charm and scenic beauty across its islands. The capital, Malé, reveals local markets, mosques, and traditional island life. Maafushi is popular for budget-friendly stays and local experiences, while Baa Atoll is known for marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters. Vaadhoo Island enchants visitors with its glowing bioluminescent beaches that sparkle like stars at night.


Food in the Maldives is simple, fresh, and deeply connected to the sea and tropical landscape. Traditional dishes like mas huni, tuna curry, garudhiya, and coconut-based meals reflect the island lifestyle and cultural influences. Local markets also offer handicrafts, wooden carvings, shell jewellery, and handmade artefacts that reflect Maldivian traditions and craftsmanship.


One of the most touching memories of my Maldives journey came during a quiet evening by the beach. An elderly fisherman, sitting beside his small wooden boat, offered me a fresh coconut and softly said, “Ocean gives peace… if the heart is calm.” That simple moment touched me deeply. It was not just about the sea but about human connection, humility, and gratitude. In that quiet exchange, I understood that the Maldives is not only a destination but also a lesson in simplicity and peace.


Travelling to the Maldives with a group made the experience even more meaningful for me. Managing group travel in such a serene and welcoming country allowed me to use my skills in handling people, coordinating activities, and ensuring everyone felt comfortable throughout the journey. From organising island visits and water sports to managing schedules and hotel check-ins, I experienced the true joy of leadership and teamwork. The peaceful environment and the warmth of its people made group coordination smooth and enjoyable.


This journey taught me that travel is not only about visiting beautiful places but also about understanding people, building trust, and creating shared memories. Watching my group laugh together, enjoy the calm beaches, and experience the beauty of the ocean filled me with deep satisfaction.


For me, the Maldives is more than a destination—it is an emotion that stays quietly in the heart. It is the gentle sound of waves at night, the warmth of strangers’ smiles, the silence of golden sunsets, and the joy of shared travel moments. Even after leaving, a part of my heart remains there—somewhere between the quiet lagoons, glowing sunsets, and endless blue ocean—reminding me that true peace is often found in the simplest of places.


(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be contacted at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)


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