Despite the initial closure for safety reasons, the administration has not taken steps to repair the library or provide an alternative location
Team Clarion
BHIWANDI — The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Library in Mandai has been closed for over a year due to the dilapidated condition of its building. Despite the initial closure for safety reasons, the administration has not taken steps to repair the library or provide an alternative location, causing significant distress among students and study enthusiasts in both the city and rural areas.
The closure has had a particularly harsh impact on students living in small, cramped rooms who relied on the library’s peaceful environment for their studies. Many students used to arrive at the library before its opening hours, eager to make the most of its resources. “Students used to bring their tiffin and books, arriving early and leaving only when the library closed,” a library official recalled.
Established in 1990, the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Library was created to foster a love for learning among residents of Bhiwandi and its surrounding areas. The library, housed in a building constructed in 1976, contained thousands of books in various languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, English, Tamil, and Telugu.
However, the municipal administration’s negligence in maintaining and repairing the library over the years led to the building’s deterioration. By June 2023, the structure was deemed unsafe, prompting its closure.
Asinhal Panyarthi, head of the library department of the municipal corporation, explained that the books from the library were temporarily moved to the Ramzan Momin Library in Millat Nagar. However, that location also faced issues, with water leakage posing a threat to the books. Consequently, the books are currently stored at the Municipal Corporation’s Health Centre in Mulatnagar.
Despite these temporary measures, Panyarthi did not provide any information regarding the repair of the original library building or the establishment of a new library facility. This lack of communication has further frustrated students and citizens who are demanding immediate action.
Residents of Bhiwandi have called on Municipal Commissioner Ajay Vaidya to expedite the repair of the Dr. Ambedkar Library building. They have also requested that the library be temporarily relocated to a nearby building to ensure that students continue to access its resources during the repair process.
The library, which has been a cornerstone of the community for over three decades, remains a crucial resource for students seeking a conducive study environment. The prolonged closure and administrative delays have left many without a vital educational tool, highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.
The closure of the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Library has disrupted the academic lives of many students in Bhiwandi. The administration’s inaction has exacerbated the situation, leaving a significant gap in the community’s educational resources. Immediate steps to repair the library or provide an alternative location are essential to restore this vital service and support the educational needs of Bhiwandi’s students.
