With the Indian Government's plan to develop a G+9 floor mall at the present Netaji Flower Market, situated near Janaki Talkies, Sitabuldi, the flower market for which the Netaji market is known will be shifted permanently to Ganeshpeth.
Initially, a temporary arrangement will be made for the flower sellers at the parking area in front of Ganeshpeth Bus Stand of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). Later on, a permanent flower market will be set up on 3-acre land. Chairman of Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) Sanjay Meena made it clear, "It is an old plan of Rs 150 crore of developing the flower market at Ganeshpeth. The proposal has already been approved. The only hurdle we are facing is of user change."
At present, the land is in possession of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) which the State Government had asked to develop a wholesale and retail flower market. Now the responsibility is entrusted with NIT. Once the user change is done, NIT will start working.
According to Meena, whenever the work starts, it will be ready in three years. The flower market has a long history. In 1994, Nagpur Municipal Corporation had allotted 'Oatas' (platforms) with tin shades to the flower sellers. Of course, those were given on certain conditions and for a period that was to be renewed every 11 months.
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