Pune: The construction of the much-anticipated memorial dedicated to the legendary poet and lyricist G. D. Madgulkar in Kothrud is progressing, with the exterior work now completed.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has submitted a proposal to the state government requesting ₹23 crore in additional funds for the completion of the remaining works.

Plans to build this memorial, in honor of the celebrated poet known as Gadima, had been stalled for over 40 years. Following persistent efforts by the Madgulkar family, the location near Mahatma Society in Kothrud, at Survey No. 69-70, was officially allocated for the memorial.

The total area dedicated to the memorial and the adjoining Kothrud Exhibition Center is 6.27 acres, with the Gadima memorial occupying 9,393.32 square meters.

According to Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale, while the external structure has been completed, the additional funding will ensure that the remaining work is finished as planned.

Recently, Chandrakant Patil, State Minister for Higher and Technical Education and MLA of Kothrud, visited the construction site to inspect the progress.

Accompanied by Commissioner Dr. Bhosale, Patil directed the PMC to forward the proposal for funding to the state government, promising to pursue the matter personally. As per the proposal, ₹4.5 crore has already been spent on completing the exterior work.

Other Civic Projects Approved:

In addition to the memorial, PMC has also sanctioned a budget of ₹1.25 crore for the maintenance and repair work at the Mahatma Phule Mandai. Key tasks include removing illegal encroachments, repairing damaged sheds, and installing proper drainage systems.

Further, the PMC has approved ₹75 crore for road repairs within the city and an additional ₹20 crore for the sewage management system in 23 newly included villages, as per Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale.