NAGPUR: With city Congress MP Vilas Muttemwar promising to provide Rs 50 lakh from his discretionary funds to develop the Muslim Library premises, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has once again approached the state government to take possession of the property in Mominpura. The plot is currently occupied by a hotel, which is running without any formal contract, though the land had been allotted to run a library.

Confirming the development, a senior officer told TOI that NMC is preparing a redevelopment proposal on the land, which will comprise the existing library and a community hall for local residents. He, however, pointed out that NMC will submit the proposal to Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT), which will execute the work.

In 1953, NMC had leased out three plots admeasuring 2,800 sq ft, 2,900 sq ft and 7,700 sq ft to run a Muslim library. But today, apart from the library, there is a food joint – ML Canteen – on the property.

The lessee also stopped paying annual rent from 1986, but NMC’s estate department did not initiate any action against the occupant. After a gap of many years, on February 14, 2006, the civic body served a lease agreement cancellation notice. NMC also served a notice to the occupant asking him to demolish the illegal construction on the said plots.

But a small group of residents formed the Muslim Library Bachao Samiti and approached the state textile minister and minority development minister Mohammad Arif Nasim Khan, to block NMC’s action. Khan then approached the CM, who stayed NMC’s action. But now, NMC is hopeful of getting the land back.

Today, the lessee owes the civic body Rs 4.89 lakh. The civic body is planning to not only vacate the lessee but also recover the dues.

Local BJP corporator Sanjay Balpande had raised the issue in the civic body general body meeting in 2012, and also pursued the matter with the standing committee.