Renovation work at Noida's prominent Dalit Prerna Sthal remains partially unfinished, with approximately 20% of the tasks still pending, a year after the restoration project commenced. The delay persists even as the city prepares for a significant influx of visitors on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti on December 6.
Progress and Persistent Problems
The restoration, managed by the Smarak Samiti and executed by the UP Nirman Nigam, saw a renewed push in December 2024 following the sanctioning of Rs 3 crore. Significant portions of the landmark have been revitalized. The central dome has been renovated, the expansive 60-acre lawns have been manicured, and stone surfaces have been polished. The central plaza, housing the statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Kanshi Ram, and Mayawati, has also been completed with ceiling repairs and polishing.
However, critical issues continue to mar the site. Cracks on sandstone Gates No. 1 and 3 are yet to be repaired, electrical connections remain faulty, and the upkeep of the forest area is still pending. Due to unrepaired underground wiring, one section of the park remains in darkness, and the fountains are non-functional.
Last-Minute Efforts for Ambedkar Jayanti
Ahead of the expected thousands of visitors on Ambedkar Jayanti, the Noida Authority has initiated some stop-gap measures. They have taken over temporary electrical and civil work near the main facade to ensure the venue is not in complete darkness. Anand Mohan, director of the horticulture department, confirmed that cleanliness drives are underway, and the CEO has instructed officials to draft a management plan for the forested campus area.
Bijender Singh, the park's manager-in-charge, explained the technical challenges behind the gate cracks. "The swelling of the Yamuna river nearby often leads to ground shifting, which causes the cracks," he said. A team from IIT Roorkee has conducted soil tests and is expected to submit a report with recommendations for a permanent fix.
Funding and Future Work
The financial pipeline for the remaining work is being established. The UP government has sanctioned Rs 5 crore specifically for the extensive electrical work required. Singh highlighted the scale of the task: "It's a massive work. The underground wiring beneath the sandstone structures and the damage due to power theft from the boundary areas has to be fixed." The tender process for this electrical overhaul is currently in progress.
Currently, the lawn maintenance is handled by a third-party contractor under the Smarak Samiti, while the Noida Authority manages the remaining forest area. The park is a major public attraction, drawing 2,000-3,000 visitors on weekends and generating monthly ticket revenues of around Rs 6 lakh.
With workers seen carrying out last-minute repairs on Friday, the focus is on presenting a dignified venue for the Ambedkar Jayanti commemoration, even as the complete renovation of this Noida landmark awaits finalization.
