As Nagpur prepares for the monsoon season, the iconic Model Mill chimney, a towering 150-foot symbol of the city’s industrial heritage, has been made monsoon-safe by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). With an investment of ₹50 lakh on structural repairs, the chimney is now equipped to withstand the rains. However, the focus is shifting towards how this historic site can once again serve the community.
Originally part of the Model Mills established by industrialist Diwan Bahadur Sir Kasturchand Daga nearly 90 years ago, the site was once a thriving center for Nagpur’s cotton industry. Although the mill has been closed for decades, the land and its towering chimney remain a testament to the city’s rich industrial legacy.
As of now, the city civic body – Nagpur Municiapal Corporation commonly known as NMC and the Nagpur Improvement Trust are evaluating redevelopment plans that aim to harmonize historical significance with contemporary urban needs. Proposed initiatives include affordable housing, a heritage museum, green public spaces, and community areas—all intended to revitalize the site.
One significant proposal is to transform the abandoned mill workers’ chawl colony in Ganeshpeth into permanent housing for over 320 families, addressing a long-standing promise to the community.
This project promises more than just infrastructure improvements; it aims to create a vibrant, walkable, and inclusive environment that honors the past while meeting current needs.
The chimney now stands as more than just a relic; it symbolizes transformation and is poised to witness a new chapter where history converges with modernity, allowing the community to reclaim its space for future generations. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share, do comment below and share your thoughts.