Madhya Pradesh: Satpura Bhawan Facelift In Limbo Over Agency Tussle

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): More than a year after the fire incident at Satpura Bhawan, the state government is yet to finalise which agency will take up the task of reconstruction or renovation of the damaged building — along with the age-old Vindhyanchal Bhawan.

Initially, the Public Works Department (PWD) had proposed renovating both Satpura and Vindhyanchal Bhawans and had even issued a tender for the same. However, the tender was later cancelled due to pressing reasons, and the plan did not materialise.

Following this, the Building Development Corporation (BDC) prepared a detailed proposal to construct new buildings in place of both structures, estimating the cost between Rs 800 crore to Rs 900 crore. Despite the scale and clarity of the proposal, it could not take concrete shape.

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Now, the Urban Administration and Development Department (UADD) has come forward with its own comprehensive redevelopment plan, aiming to modernise the area with updated infrastructure and facilities.

A senior BDC officer told Free Press that it is now up to the government to decide whether to approve BDC’s project or go ahead with UADD’s plan. Sources say that UADD will present its proposal to Chief Secretary Anurag Jain on July 2.

When contacted, Sanjay Shukla, Additional Chief Secretary of UADD, said that a comprehensive plan modelled on Delhi’s Central Vista project has been prepared and will soon be presented before the government.

Insiders believe that with multiple agencies vying for the project and no final call from the state, the reconstruction process may face further delays.

Makeover mess

• PWD's tender for renovation was cancelled after initial efforts.

• BDC proposed Rs 800–900cr new construction for both buildings.

• UADD enters fray with a Central Vista-style modern plan.

• No agency finalised yet, further delays likely.