PMC finalises three designs for national monument at Bhide Wada

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has recently concluded the selection of three distinct designs for the upcoming national monument at Bhide Wada. 

This historical site holds great significance as it was the location of the first-ever school for girls in the country. 

Established in 1848 by renowned social reformers Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and his wife Savitribai Phule, the school initially had eight students.

As per the information provided, multiple factors pertaining to the monument were taken into account prior to the finalisation of the designs. The objective of these designs is to emphasise the accomplishments of social reformers and the historical importance of the country’s first girls’ school. 

He further mentioned that three designs from three distinct architects will be presented to the PMC commissioner for consideration. Once a final decision is reached, the construction of the national memorial will commence.

According to the PMC’s proposed design, the memorial will consist of a two-storey building and showcase a statue of Savitribai Phule. Encompassing an area of 6,212 sq ft, the memorial will comprise seven rooms, one of which will be a replica of a classroom from the time when the Phule’s established the first women’s school. This recreation aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of that era.

The dilapidated Bhide Wada structure was demolished by the PMC in the early hours of Tuesday, following court orders issued a month ago. Despite resistance from local residents and traders, who had refused to evacuate the premises, legal action was taken.

The national memorial construction at the site has been given the green light by both the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. In addition, the court has issued an order for the shop owners and tenants residing in the deteriorated structure to evacuate the premises. According to Dhakne, the structure, which spans over an area of 2,700 sq ft, was demolished on Tuesday morning. The court had granted the tenants and shopkeepers a month’s notice, which expired on December 2.

The notices were once again issued to them on December 4, and at midnight, a forceful eviction operation was conducted, resulting in the complete demolition of the dilapidated structure. A significant number of police personnel were deployed in the vicinity as the municipal authority proceeded with the razing process.